Top jockey who watched Youtube music videos on phone given one-month ban One of Japan’s most successful jockeys has become the latest victim of strict rules on the use of smart phones.
On arrival at Kyoto a staff member reported to officials that Iwata was seen watching music videos on Youtube while travelling from Chukyo, which is forbidden under rules designed to protect the integrity of racing.
After riding a double on Saturday at Chukyo, Iwata was due to ride in the Group 1 Asahi Futurity Stakes in Kyoto on Sunday but when he arrived he was told he would be stood down.
Before all Japan Racing Association fixtures, jockeys are put into isolation from 9pm the day before a meeting and denied any communication with the outside world until the races are over.
At home he has won the Japan Cup three times and on the international stage has victories in Hong Kong as well as capturing the 2006 Melbourne Cup on Delta Blues.
