Race-fixing inquiry begins on Wednesday

The disciplinary panel of the Horseracing Regulatory Authority will begin the inquiry involving jockeys Robert Winston and Robbie Fitzpatrick on Wednesday at 9.30am.

Along with former licensed jockeys Luke Fletcher and Fran Ferris, former bookmaker Ian Nicholls and four other unlicensed individuals, the HRA panel must consider whether Winston and Fitzpatrick have breached the Rules of Racing in relation to 37 races.

The hearing is scheduled to last 10 days up to Tuesday, January 23 – but the accused can expect to wait beyond that as the panel is likely to require time to consider the verdicts.

The HRA’s case will be presented by Mark Warby QC and Jacob Dean.

Robbie Fitzpatrick, Luke Fletcher and Robert Winston will be represented by Andrew Monson, while Fran Ferris will be represented by Gerard Hillman.

None of the unlicensed individuals are represented, or thought to be defending the charges.