Agent for Injured English Rider Blasts Phone Ban

The agent for jockey Richard Quinn blasted new restrictions on mobile phone use after being unable to reach his client when the rider took a hard tumble in a race at Newbury Friday.

Quinn is likely out for most of the rest of the season with a broken collarbone. But agent Robert Parsons complained to The Racing Post Sunday that he and the jockey's girlfriend were unable to get information about the extent of Quinn's injuries or reach Quinn himself. New Jockey Club restrictions prevent riders from receiving calls on track grounds.

"I tried to get through to the weighing room and was told I could speak to him when he leaves the course," Parsons told the publication, "which I find pretty pathetic, considering the circumstances.

"His girlfriend rang the racecourse to see how he was and was told to hold on for a moment but after about three minutes the phone went dead. When she rang back, the woman thought it was funny that she had been cut off. It's unacceptable.

"In these circumstances, the mobile should be allowed to be turned on, and even if a jockey can't answer, one of his colleagues would be able to."

The British Jockey Club admitted the incident was "not satisfactory."

The Jockeys Association continues to oppose the cell phone ban and continues to negotiate its repeal.