Fox verdict due today
All the evidence in the case was heard last Friday, but the hearing had to be carried over for closing submissions before the panel deliberates on a verdict.
Fox’s controversial ride on the Matt Gingell-trained gelding resulted in a 21-day suspension as the Fontwell stewards decided he had intentionally stepped off the horse after jumping the ninth fence in a race at the Sussex track on March 8.
The panel has considered the evidence that was before the local stewards as well as evidence uncovered subsequently as a result of Jockey Club security department investigations.
He was charged under rule 157, which specifies that a rider’s actions must be taken “with the intention of concealing the true ability of the horse or affecting the result of the race”.
Should the original findings of the local stewards be confirmed, then Fox could expect a more severe punishment.
However, if the panel conclude that Fox’s actions were not deliberate, then he could be punished under the lesser rule 158.
Ice Saint’s performance in the Cantor Sport Beginners’ Chase hit the headlines at the time as it came the day after a News Of The World report that made unconnected allegations against Kieren Fallon.
On the day, Ice Saint opened at 2-1 on course before being returned at twice those odds, having also drifted markedly on betting exchanges.
Fox, 33, who denies any wrongdoing, first took out a riding licence in 1988 and has won a total of 79 races in Britain as well as others in Europe.
However, last season he had only two victories from 58 rides and is yet to have a mount so far this season.
