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Irish amateur rider Rob James says he is “heartbroken” at the “damage” he has caused after being filmed climbing onto the back of a dead horse.
A video on social media shows James riding the animal at a gallop while some of those present can be heard laughing.
The Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board said it was aware of the video and the matter was under investigation.
“I would just like to apologize for my actions that were totally inappropriate and disrespectful,” James said.
Speaking to Irish Field, James added: “I sincerely apologize to the owners of the mare, the staff who cared for her, the horse racing industry and all horse racing fans for my actions.
“Trying to defend my stupidity at the time would add further insult and harm to the many loyal people who have supported me throughout my career. I have caused embarrassment to my employers, my family and most importantly, the sport I love.
“I am heartbroken at the damage I have caused and will do my best to try to make amends for those injured for my conduct.”
James, who led the Milan native to victory at the Cheltenham Festival last year, said the mare in the video died after suffering cardiac arrest at a gallop in April 2016.
BBC Sport has reached out to James for comment.
His apology comes a day after Irish coach Gordon Elliott temporarily left Running banned in Britain after being photographed sitting on a dead horse.
Elliott, 43, apologized for a circulating photograph of him sitting on a dead horse and was later temporarily banned by the British Horse Racing Authority, pending the outcome of an IHRB investigation.
Elliott said the image was captured “some time ago” and it was a “crazy moment that I will have to spend the rest of my life paying for.”
There has been widespread criticism within the careers of Elliott, who has saddled the Grand National winner three times.
