Jockey Club reveals part in police probe

Officials at the Jockey Club have issued a statement after the arrest of 16 people including Kieren Fallon this morning in connection with allegations of race-fixing.

Fallon’s weighing-room colleagues Darren Williams and fell Irish jockey Fergal Lynch were also arrested, along with trainer Karl Burke.

The statement from Portman Square read:

“The Jockey Club was informed this morning that the City Of London Police have made a number of arrests, including three jockeys and one trainer, as part of a police investigation into horseracing.

“The City Of London Police investigation was initiated following investigative work by the Jockey Club’s security department, headed by Paul Scotney, a former detective chief superintendent.

“The decision to refer the matter to the police was taken following consultation with the chairman of the Jockey Club’s security and investigations committee, Ben Gunn, a former chief constable.”

Scotney said: “Earlier this year it became apparent that what had started out as an investigation into possible breaches of the Rules of Racing had uncovered evidence which indicated criminal activity which could undermine the integrity of horseracing.

“Consequently, we decided to refer the matter to the City of London Police. Our decision also took account of the fact that the Jockey Club has no powers of search or arrest and has very limited powers when investigating individuals not bound by the Rules of Racing.

“Ever since the City Of London Police took the case on, the investigation has been wholly in their hands. The Jockey Club has assisted the police when requested and acted as a conduit for information and intelligence relating to the investigation.”