Robbie Dunne has broken his silence after securing victory at Hereford on Tuesday following a 10-month ban. Dunne was banned last December after being found guilty of bullying and harassing fellow jockey Bryony Frost.
The Irishman was initially suspended from racing for 18 months, but had this reduced in March of this year to 10 months. As. a result, Dunne was free to return to the race track on Sunday but opted to wait until Tuesday's meet at Hereford.
The jockey teamed up with the Ian Williams-trained Ernesto and went on to secure a tight victory on return by a neck.
Following the win, Dunne failed to give a post-race interview but did later release a statement to Sky Sports Racing. In his statement the Irishman revealed he was 'truly sorry' for what the events that had led to his suspension, and is now ready to 'get on with his racing career'.
He said: "It has been a horrible time for all parties involved and I am truly sorry for the unfortunate incident at Southwell. But it is time to draw a long line under it all and leave the past where it belongs.
"I just want to get on with my riding career now and support my fiance Katie, who has supported me through some traumatic times, and my lovely young daughter Ava-Mae as she is very important to both of us. I have to also thank everyone for their backing through this in the industry and outside of the racing bubble.
"They all know the real Robbie Dunne and it is not the one that has sometimes been portrayed in certain parts of the media. A vast number of owners and trainers up and down the country have stuck by me through what have been obviously very difficult circumstances and I will do my utmost to repay that very important support and trust.
"I want to be the best individual and jockey I possibly can be, so my riding is going to do all the talking from now on.” Following his win Ernesto's owner Colin Mander offered his backing to the jockey, commenting per Racing TV: "Everybody deserves second chances in life – that is all I want to say. It’s nice to see him back and back on a winner.”
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One man who was also pleased to see Dunne back in the saddle was his fellow rider Sam Twiston-Davies, who also paid tribute to Frost as she marked her return from injury with a win at Goodwood. He said: "Obviously it is great to see him have a winner.
"Everyone gets on with everyone at the end of the day. It is was nice to see Bryony have her first winner after an injury and then Robbie back from his ban. At the end of the day, he is a very well-liked member of the weighing room, as is Bryony, and it is nice to have them back riding winners.
