Jerome Claudic became aggressive and insulting after staff tried to stop him entering an area reserved for corporate guests at ParisLongchamp14:44, 03 Aug 2026Updated 14:46, 03 Aug 2026A jockey allegedly headbutted an official and told another ‘if you keep filming, I am going to slap you’, according to a disciplinary inquiry.‌Jerome Claudic, a jockey with nearly 20 years experience, has ridden 27 winners in France this year and over 500 during the course of his career.‌He was reported to the France Galop stewards following an incident after racing at Paris Longchamp in July in a corporate hospitality where a garden furniture design business was entertaining guests. The disciplinary panel was told that Claudic, who appeared "heavily intoxicated", had attempted to enter the area with two female friends insisting he was entitled to be there.‌When challenged he unleashed “a torrent of insults” at France Galop and described the guests and partners as “buffoons”.During a six minute outburst, which included racist comments, he was filmed by the company's head of digital who he ordered to put away her phone, telling her, "If you keep filming, I’m going to slap you". He then delivered a “completely unprovoked headbutt” to a member of France Galop staff, the hearing was told.Claudic was escorted to the exit by a France Galop staff member but as he left uttered “death threats, threats of physical violence, and racist remarks—shouting, in particular, 'You two are dead men walking'.‌Claudic explained when interviewed that he had been looking for somewhere to watch the football. He admitted losing his temper when he saw someone filming him but denied headbutting anyone. He said he had been under the influence of alcohol after drinking a "small glass," but that he was mainly tired and annoyed by the video taken without his knowledge.He explained that jockeys undergo gruelling work schedules, including in intense heat on that day, and he felt worn out.‌The panel was told: “He intends to go straight home after races from now on; he and his colleagues feel unwelcome at this racecourse—which provides no designated space for professionals—and since this has caused problems before, he will never set foot there again.”He apologised and said he had never behaved in that way before and on that evening it was simply a case of having "had enough".‌The France Galop stewards said Claudic had “displayed behavior that was absolutely intolerable and unacceptable. This conduct cannot be justified by the explanations he provided; while the apologies he offered must be taken into account, they do not absolve him of responsibility.”The panel added his behaviour damaged “the image and reputation of the racing institution and the sport itself”.It said it was also clear Claudic had not learned the lessons of previous disciplinary actions having previously been suspended for six months in 2021, following a test that revealed the presence of a narcotic substance.Article continues belowClaudic was referred to the France Galop Medical Department for potential psychological, medical, and addiction-related follow-up. He was suspended from riding for one month with another three months suspended for five years.