Winston to face HRA charges
Robert Winston has been notified by the Horseracing Regulatory Authority (HRA) of charges to be brought in connection with an investigation into alleged corruption in racing.
It is also understood that three other riders – Luke Fletcher, Robbie Fitzpatrick and Fran Ferris – together with five unlicensed individuals, one a former bookmaker, have also been informed of charges.
It is believed the investigation does not relate to the City Of London police probe that has seen charges brought against 11 people, including six-time champion Kieren Fallon and weighing-room colleagues Fergal Lynch and Darren Williams.
Winston rode his 100th winner of the year at Pontefract yesterday, and is currently third in the jockeys’ title race behind Ryan Moore and Jamie Spencer.
The Irishman was leading the 2005 jockeys’ championship when he was sidelined for approximately four months with a broken jaw after his mount Pearl’s A Singer slipped up on the bend at Ayr.
His chances of gaining a first crown this year were dealt a serious blow in June when he was suspended for 28 days after the Carlisle stewards found him guilty of dropping his hands aboard the Alan Swinbank-trained Confide, who finished second in the Border Construction Handicap.
While refusing to divulge the names of those involved, Paul Struthers, PR manager for the HRA, said in a statement: “We can confirm that four jockeys and five unlicensed individuals, one a former bookmaker, have been charged in connection with corrupt practices.
“When licensed individuals are charged with offences of a serious nature we always give them notice of when we intend to release the charges to the press and public.
“In doing this, we give them time to digest the charges and seek legal advice.
“On occasion, representations are made to delay releasing such charges which need to be considered.
“Clearly, this does not take account of statements made prior to the release of charges by those that are charged.
“Our position is, therefore, that as things stand we will announce further details of these charges, and the individuals involved, after the weekend.”
