Shocking moment jockey punches horse in the stomach

Video has emerged of a jockey forcefully punching a horse in South Australia today.

The footage shows rider Dylan Caboche in the peach-coloured silks struggling to control his horse as it rears into the air at Port Lincoln.

The jockey then demounts, before violently punching “She’s Reneldasgirl” in the stomach.

Despite the ordeal, the filly went on to race, finishing eighth out of a field of 10.

Caboche, 22, has been handed a two-week suspension from Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (TRSA) following the incident.

"TRSA does not condone and will not tolerate such behaviour and it is hoped this penalty - which will remain on the rider's record and will impact his earning ability - will send a strong signal to others," TRSA said in a statement.

A number of animal protection groups have since condemned the jockey's behaviour.

"It's absolutely disgusting how this young jockey treated this poor horse," Elio Celotto from Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses said.

"Unfortunately we see this kind of cruelty everyday when whips and spurs are used on racehorses," Mr Celotto added.

It is unclear whether Caboche will appeal the suspension.

He has ridden 40 winners in the last 12 months, according to statistics from Racing.com.

Watch the full news bulletin on 9Now