Jockey Club deny riders probe
The Jockey Club has dismissed newspaper claims that they are currently investigating a widespread “betting scam” among jockeys.
The article alleges that 14 riders have been probed over selling information to punters or making bets themselves.
However, Jockey Club public relations director John Maxse told the Press Association: “The claim that 14 jockeys are currently the subject of a ‘betting scam probe’ by the Jockey Club is wholly inaccurate.
“Such allegations are without evidence and unfairly undermine public confidence in racing.
“The Jockey Club has been extremely open about what matters are the subject of ongoing enquiries. Where possible, and without compromising our investigations, we confirm what races and what incidents are being looked into.
“I do not know how this allegation came to be published. No Jockey Club employee was ever given an opportunity to respond to the claim.”
Racing has come under the spotlight following the controversy surrounding Kieren Fallon's riding of Ballinger Ridge at Lingfield last Tuesday.
In a four-page article described as the “sports scandal of the decade”, the News of the World alleged the champion jockey told undercover journalists before the race that eventual winner Rye would beat his mount.
The race caused a storm of controversy because the champion was caught and beaten a short head after easing down when well clear.
He was found to be in breach of racing’s rules in that he failed to ride out for first place, and the matter was referred to the Jockey Club as unusual betting patterns were reported before the event by exchange firm Betfair.
Rye started the 8-11 favourite, while Ballinger Ridge went off at 15-8.
Today, at a regular monthly meeting of its executive and non-executive members, the Jockey Club will decide on how best to proceed with Fallon’s case.
Fallon at the moment faces a maximum 21-day ban for being in breach of Rule 156 (i), a matter which would have been dealt with by the local stewards had there been no unusual betting patterns reported to racing’s rulers.
There has been criticism in some quarters that Fallon would suffer unfairly and miss a significant part of the Flat season if dates for his ban were not resolved before the full investigation.
However, Maxse said: “The Jockey Club will make a decision as to whether Kieren Fallon’s suspension for failing to obtain the best possible placing on Ballinger Ridge can take effect while the security department’s investigation into the betting patterns is still ongoing.”
