Spandau connections in the clear

A lengthy Jockey Club investigation into the controversial victory of Spandau at Newton Abbot in England on August 12 has concluded that there was no breach of racing’s rules.

The John Tuck-trained nine-year-old was backed from 20-1 in the morning to a starting price of 5-1 in the Renault Van Range Handicap Hurdle.

During the race Spandau’s stablemate Indian Star ran wide on a bend and took two others, including the favourite, with him. Spandau raced through on the inside and established a lead he held to the line.

“We conducted what was a very thorough investigation and yesterday we wrote to the trainer John Tuck and the jockeys, Barry Keniry (Spandau) and Seamus Durack (Indian Star), and informed then that no further action would be taken,” Jockey Club spokesman John Maxse said today.

“During the investigation interviews were conducted with the trainer, both jockeys and several others. Betting patterns with both bookmakers and betting exchanges were reviewed, and the race itself was subject to further analysis in Portman Square.

“In view of the support for the winner, and the way in which the race was run, it was bound to arouse suspicions, and that clearly warranted a full inquiry.

“However, following our lengthy investigation, we found no evidence of any collaboration between the riders or even a breach of the rules. Had there been some sort of a conspiracy we would have found some evidence of it,” Maxse concluded.