King Callow on the mental brink as inquiries continue!

Popular jockey Noel Callow is battling mental health issues as his appeal against a lengthy disqualification failed and compounding charges are looming.

Callow’s wife Renee revealed that Noel was on “serious medication” and was mentally unfit to attend any inquiries after attempting suicide “multiple times.”

This follows today’s ruling of the Queensland Racing Appeals Panel to uphold a 10-month disqualification over aged, but allegedly racist fuelled videos from Darwin.

Callow had originally pleaded guilty to conduct prejudicial to the interests of racing over the videos and was appealing the severity of two five months disqualifications ruled to be served cumulatively.

The confirmed disqualification means he cannot attend any race meeting or work within the industry or assist his daughter Stacey in her career as a rider in south-east Queensland.

It also is expected that further charges are to be laid by Queensland stewards over another video, recorded at a similar time to the others, that has only surfaced since the current matters were finalised. And charges and associated penalty would be expected to run beyond the current 10-month ban, leaving Callow further sidelined.

Noel Callow - News Corp

It is understood the Callows have been disappointed by the lack of assistance from Racing Queensland in relation to mental health issues faced by participants. (They highlighted the long-term work of Lisa Stevens as Racing Victoria's inhouse psychologist and her support network to the state's jockeys and others in times of need.)

In a statement to Josh Adams, chief steward at Racing Queensland, Callow said: “The alleged footage (to be released) is similar and of the same time period as videos which are currently the subject of appeal before the Queensland Racing Appeals Panel.

“The grounds of appeal were in regard to penalty

“The decision of the Queensland Racing Appeals Panel may have direct impact on penalty guidelines for any penalty should I be found guilty to any charge in relation to the (new) video provided to me yesterday (dated September 16).

“As you would appreciate the ongoing matter before the QRAP and the matter of the recent video as discussed yesterday have placed significant stress on my personal well-being.

“As such I request that the inquiry scheduled for tomorrow be adjourned until the QRC hands down their decision on my recent appeal as I believe this will have a direct bearing on the matter of the scheduled inquiry.”

Callow tendered a medical letter from Dr Michael Joy of the Mermaid Junction Medical Centre that he was unfit “mentally” to attend any inquiry until September 30.

It is expected that following today’s findings, Racing Queensland will issue further similar charges against Callow over the other privately recorded video from the Darwin area also a year ago.

Callow's 10-month disqualification started August 22, though he was stood down from August 1 when the first two videos surfaced and charges were laid before being heard.

Today’s QRAP ruling sustained their original penalty despite Callow's presentations in his defence:  "The comments made by the Applicant were derogatory and humiliating and they had undoubted racist overtones," the decision read.

"By its very nature, such conduct is to be deprecated and must be denounced. Alcohol was no doubt an influencing factor, particularly in relation to the second incident in time.

"That may go some way to explaining, though not excusing, the conduct.

"As the stewards properly recognised, it is a feature of aggravation that the events were recorded and "published' by the applicant.

Callow’s counsel, Matthew Stirling tendered that the penalty should have been in the four to six weeks "tariff".

Stirling had also asked the Queensland Racing Appeals Panel (QRAP) to consider Callow's remorse, his efforts at rehabilitation and his positive attempts to address personal problems which existed at the time of the offending when handing down their decision.

The revelations from Callow’s wife Renee today highlight the significant personal and long-term impact the case has had on “The King”, with the normal jovial jockey, refusing to talk to the media as he is treated for his illness.

Noel Callow with daughter Stacey