Fallon’s arrest - Corruption the ultimate handicap

AT least one horse race a day in Britain is suspected of being either fixed or tainted by corruption.

That suspicion will deepen in the wake of the scandal surrounding yesterday’s arrest of 16 people, including Irish jockeys Fergal Lynch and Champion jockey Kieren Fallon.

Ever since the Gay Future scam, a £300,000 betting coup carried off by a Cork-based cartel in Cumbria 30 years ago, a dark cloud has hung over racing. At the time, two men were convicted of conspiring to defraud bookmakers by betting on three horses when they knew only the 10-1 Gay Future would run.

With the results of 80 races in Britain now under the microscope, the latest scandal could not come at a worse time for the industry. The emergence of exchange betting, enabling people not only to back horses to win but also to lose, has caused a spate of racing scandals.

While those arrested deny the allegations, racing is sure to suffer. As evidenced at the Olympics, people think athletes who win are on drugs. From now on they will believe every race is rigged, especially when a fancied horse loses.

Undeniably, this affair will further undermine the integrity of the Sport of Kings. If the allegations are upheld, it should more appropriately be dubbed the Sport of Crooks.

But if the police probe helps to clean up the sport it will be a good day for racing.