By Jon Lees

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A leading jockey has been disqualified for one year after he refused to give evidence to a stewards’ inquiry. Officials in Queensland, Australia , have been conducting investigations into the alleged falsification of health assessment forms used for licensing and in September disqualified jockey Luke Marshall for eight months. Stewards also tried to quiz another jockey Luke Tarrant at Doomben racecourse but he refused to give evidence. The case was referred to Queensland’s Racing Integrity Commission before which 31-year-old Tarrant was directed to enter a plea, but after four weeks there was no response. In a ruling the Commission panel said: “Despite being directed to give evidence at the inquiry and subsequently invited on multiple occasions to enter a plea and to provide submissions in mitigation on penalty, no plea was entered, and no written or oral submissions were received. “Accordingly, the penalty has been determined in the absence of any mitigating material, on the evidence before the Panel and by reference to the protective purposes of the Rules, relevant appeal authority, and parity with comparable precedents. “Mr Tarrant’s conduct is serious because it attacks the integrity framework that safeguards participant welfare and sustains public confidence in wagering. “Licensed people are obliged to assist inquiries, not to decide what evidence they will give. Appeal authorities emphasise the protective purpose of sanction in this area.” The report continued: “Stewards are of the view that a disqualification is warranted in the circumstances. A disqualification for a period of twelve (12) months, effective from the date of this decision commencing 8 October 2025 concluding 8 October 2026.” Tarrant will not be considered for re-licensing until he provides evidence in relation to his Health Assessment Results Form. Tarrant, who last rode in August, has ridden 502 winners, including three Group race winners.