Fallon gave race tips to football star Owen
Fallon denied he was part of a plot to allow horses to lose so a syndicate run by professional gambler Miles Rodgers could win on bets.
He said he was asked for tips on races by his former driver Philip Sherkle but did not realise they were being passed on to Rodgers.
Fallon said in an interview: “I thought that by texting Phil he was having his own couple of quid on it. I do that with a lot of people. Michael Owen every day texts me.”
Following another series of questions about the significance of calls and texts, Fallon answered: “Most guys, like I say Michael Owen, would only ring to talk about races.”
The apparent reference to the England footballer who owns his own racehorses, was made in June 2006, the court heard.
Fallon agreed he passed tips to Sherkle and said: “What Phil does with the information is out of my control.”
Asked if he was part of a conspiracy, Fallon replied: “I never stopped horses, never did and never will.”
Asked if a pattern had formed in which horses were laid to lose in substantial sums, Fallon told police: “I am just riding and doing my best.”
The six-time champion jockey was asked about a text exchange with Sherkle in July 2004, following his win on the Queen’s horse Daring Aim.
He denied a suggestion he had indicated he would lose by texting “n” to Sherkle.
The following day, the court heard, Sherkle texted: “If u don’t speak to me now I won’t be able to help you.”
Fallon replied: “They will take my licences off me if they drift like that last night. They are watching me.”
Asked about the messages, Fallon told detectives: “It’s a worry about horses drifting.”
Questioned by John Kelsey-Fry QC, defending, DC Matthew Hussey agreed another officer had suggested to Fallon that he had changed his mind about losing the race because he was wearing the queen’s colours.
Fallon said he did not know Rodgers. He said: “I have nothing to hide,” the court was told.
Jockeys Kieren Fallon, 42, of Tipperary; Fergal Lynch, 29, and Darren Williams, 29, both of North Yorkshire, deny the conspiracy between December 2002 and August 2004.
The trial continues.
