Accused Fallon 'best jockey in world' says trainer

A trainer today told the race bets scam trial that Kieren Fallon was the “best jockey in the world”.

Alan Jarvis said he was amazed that his horse Right Answer, in a race in which it was ridden by the six times champion jockey, was alleged to be part of a plot to let horses lose.

Mr Jarvis, of Twyford, Bucks, said the race at York in July, 2004, resulted in the horse coming second.

Giving evidence for the prosecution, Mr Jarvis told the Old Bailey: “He gave a perfect ride, probably the best race the horse ever had. I was more than satisfied with it.”

Fallon and fellow jockeys Darren Williams and Fergal Lynch deny conspiring to not let 27 mounts race on their merits so a syndicate could win on bets.

Asked by John Kelsey-Fry, QC, defending Fallon, what he thought of the allegation involving Right Answer, Mr Jarvis said: “It’s absolutely rubbish.

“I did not even know my horse was involved until I read about it in the paper.

“Until you ask me what riding instructions I had given him, how can you judge?”

Mr Jarvis said he had known Fallon for many years and used him on a number of occasions.

“He is the best jockey in the world. I have never had any doubt about any horses he has ridden for me.”

Last week, racing expert Ray Murrihy said he would not have queried the race either.

Jockeys Kieren Fallon, 42, formerly of Newmarket, Cambridgeshire, but now of Tipperary, Ireland; Fergal Lynch, 29, of Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire; and Darren Williams, 29, of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, deny the conspiracy between December 2002 and August 2004.

Lynch’s brother, Shaun Lynch, 38, of Belfast; professional gambler Miles Rodgers, 38, of Silkstone, South Yorkshire; and barman Philip Sherkle, 42, of Tamworth, Staffordshire, also plead not guilty.

Rodgers also denies concealing the proceeds of crime. All the defendants are on bail.