Jockey Robbie Dunne says he used 'figure of speech' and did not threaten Bryony Frost



The man denied that he bullied and harassed the woman.

Dunne said he was using a figure of speech and not a threat when he said he would put her through a fence.

Dunne is facing an inquiry after Frost claimed he bullied her.

He said he told her "I'll put you through a wing" at Southwell.

He said that this phrase was frequently used in the weighing room, but no one had ever used it.

Dunne told the panel that he had never threatened another jockey with violence.

He said that Frost was renowned for cutting across other jockeys dangerously during races, and that she rides "irresponsibly".

He said he had been living a nightmare after being accused of using foul, sexually abusive and misogynistic language towards her.

Dunne claimed that he was told his legs would be broken if he didn't change his behavior towards Frost.

He claimed to have received a call on 7 September 2020.

Dunne has admitted that he behaved in a violent or improper manner towards Frost at Southwell on 3 September 2020.

He denied the charges at Uttoxeter on 17 August 2020 and at Stratford on 8 July 2020.

He accused Hannah of making up some of her evidence to the panel about being abused by him.

The defence case was opened by Moore.

Moore said that the words spoken to Miss Frost in the weighing room were not a threat, but a rebuke.

Mr Dunne believes that the words were spoken by a jockey who had taken a heavy fall and was upset at the death of his horse.

Dunne said that at a jump Frost came straight across his horse there and caused his horse to fall.

He said that her horse came straight across, taking the daylight out of his horse and causing it to fall.

The panel was shown a replay of the race on July 8, 2020, in which it was claimed that Dunne told Frost that he would kill her again.

Dunne is not saying this.

Dunne said he had to cut back when Miss Frost came from the middle of the track. She doesn't have any awareness for the safety of others around her. She's well known for doing it.

A fence attendant said last week that he had heard Dunne abusing Frost that day.

Dunne said the fence attendant was nowhere to be seen after the footage was shown.

Dunne said he apologized to Frost at Bangor-on-Dee a few days after Stratford.

He questioned why she didn't report the incident on the day.

Dunne was asked by Weston if he posted on the day of the Virtual Grand National.

If Yala Enki wins the cartoon race, will the interview be as far-fetched as they are in real life?

Yala Enki was going to be ridden by Frost in the Grand National.

Weston called it a "mantra" after Dunne said that it was "inappropriate and unprofessional".

Dunne said he could have been referring to interviews with the trainer, owner or stable lad.

Weston believed that the tweet was a reference to the interview that was given to her after she won the Ryanair Chase at the Festival.

He accused Dunne of making a joke about another jockey and lying about it.

The defence called several witnesses, including four-time champion jockey Richard Johnson, who retired earlier this year.

Johnson was asked if the misogynistic terms that Dunne is alleged to have used, but denies using, would be acceptable if said from one jockey to another.

"After a race, things get said in the heat of the moment, but in the cold light of day," said Johnson.

He said that every jockey has used words that they wouldn't want to be called.

He said that he had heard of Dunne saying he would put Frost through a wing, but never seen it happen. All jockeys have said that. In the heat of the moment, you say things that make you angry.

The weighing room was described by Johnson as a "safe and friendly place to be", but he said jockeys and valets had been involved in previous incidents between jockeys.

He said that he was asked to be part of a meeting between Dunne and Frost which would hopefully clear the air.

He said that the initial suggestion for the meeting came from Jimmy Frost, the father of Frost.

On her arrival at the course, Frost said she did not want to take part in the event.

Johnson said it was her choice, but it was disappointing.

Maude said that Frost was upset by the suggestion of the meeting and was crying.

Current and former jockeys gave evidence.

Female jockeys had licences and were protecting themselves, so they were not reluctant to speak out against Dunne.

She said that she felt that was not true. We don't think we have ever had any problems withRobbie Dunne in the past. He has always treated us with respect.

Kelly said in a witness statement that she stood out because she wouldn't accept criticism from other jockeys.

She said there was a lot of loose language in the weighing room. She said she would not be offended if she felt the reason she was being sworn at was justified.

She did not think a trial by the media should have been used to settle the situation.

Dunne was described as the class clown byGavin Sheehan, who said he had seen Dunne mock Frost.

Dunne told Frost what she had done wrong at Southwell and later said it was a "telling off".

He said that he had not heard Dunne threaten Frost.

The hearing continues.