Jockeys face HRA inquiry

Bookmaker Owen Churchill and jockeys Brian Reilly and Dean Williams are to face various charges by the Horseracing Regulatory Authority over the running of 10 horses in races over a two-month period around 18 months ago.

An investigation by the HRA’s security department has resulted in the three having to answer to the disciplinary panel as to whether they breached the rules.

The races in question took place between December 2004 and February 2005.

The trio face a variety of charges including commission of a corrupt practice, communicating information for reward, aiding or abetting a breach of the Rules, horses running on their merits, misleading a Jockey Club Official and hindering an investigation.

A directions hearing is to be held at the HRA’s headquarters in London’s Shaftesbury Avenue on June 29, when it is hoped a date will be set for the substantive inquiry.

Williams faces charges over his rides on Knead The Dough (third) at Southwell on December 21 2004, Ever Cheerful (sixth) at Lingfield on December 30 2004, Soviet Sceptre (10th) at Lingfield on January 15 2005 and Maron (10th) at Wolverhampton on February 7 2005.

Reilly will be questioned about the rides he gave Shifty Night (sixth) at Southwell on January 18 2005, Three Ships (11th) at Wolverhampton on January 21 2005, Amanda’s Lad (ninth) at Southwell on January 25 2005, Pirouettes (eighth) at Wolverhampton on February 7 2005, Fizzy Lady (ninth) at Wolverhampton on February 11 2005 and Cils (second) at Wolverhampton on February 11 2005.

HRA spokesman Paul Struthers said: “The investigation started as a result of our betting analysis spotting potentially suspicious betting patterns of one account holder, who was Owen Churchill.

“They highlighted the patterns around these races and that’s what prompted the investigation.”