Horse racing: Jockey club plays down Fallon claims

Jockey Club officials have played down Sunday newspaper reports that jockey Kieren Fallon has been linked with the Chinese Mafia.

The newspaper alleges that Fallon has been seen regularly meeting Triad members after being put under surveillance by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The member of the Triad that Fallon is alleged to have met is involved in illegal bookmaking in Hong Kong, according to the News of the World.

Fallon is reported to have carried on socialising with the Triads and it is alleged that as a result he was invited to withdraw his application for a Hong Kong licence in the 2000-2001 season.

The allegations all come in what was described as a ‘‘damning report’’ from the HKJC that was leaked to the tabloid.

The British Jockey Club knew about the report but are not planning to take the matter any further.

Jockey Club spokesman John Maxse said: ‘‘Due to the number of British-based jockeys who ride in Hong Kong, the Jockey Club and the Hong Kong Jockey Club have a good working relationship and relevant information is shared between the two authorities.

‘‘Kieren Fallon retains a valid licence to ride in Britain and I am not aware of anything to suggest that his licence will not be renewed this season.’’

No one was available for comment at the HKJC.