Pierre-Charles Boudot has been suspended from riding for a further six months by France Galop due to the seriousness of the allegations of rape made against the three-time champion jockey.

Boudot, 28, was indicted in May and had his licence suspended for three months after he was accused of rape by a work-rider following a party at Cagnes-sur-Mer in February.

Fellow rider Pierre Bazire, who has had his three-month suspension extended by six months, was also charged with not reporting a crime. The riders deny the charges against them.

In a statement released on Friday, France Galop outlined that while the jockeys were presumed innocent, the decision had been taken to continue the suspension of their licences “as a precautionary measure” due to the "seriousness" of the case.

The statement read: “Although these two jockeys remain presumed innocent, in view of the ongoing criminal proceedings to which they are still the subject, the seriousness of the alleged facts and their damage to the image of racing, the commissioners have suspended, as a precautionary measure and for a period of six months, their authorisation to ride.”

France Galop confirmed the decision had been taken under article 2016 of its rules, a clause which aims to protect the image of racing.

Boudot’s biggest win to date came when he steered Waldgeist to victory over Enable in the 2019 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The rider has also claimed top-level success across the globe, including partnering Order Of Australia to a 40-1 victory for Aidan O’Brien in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile, a day he also won the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf on Audarya.

In Britain, he guided Watch Me to victory in the 2019 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and The Revenant to success in last year’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on British Champions Day.

Earlier this year, Boudot’s legal team strongly denied the allegations, with lead counsel Florence Gaudilliere telling French media: "Pierre-Charles Boudot's determination is greater than ever. He categorically denies the charges."

Racing Post