Jockey's return hit by BHA objection

Darren Williams’ riding career is in limbo after the British Horseracing Authority decided to object to his application for a new license.

The jockey is due to complete a three-month riding suspension tomorrow for his part in a race-fixing inquiry after he admitted to passing information for reward when facing a disciplinary panel in June.

BHA Media Relations manager Paul Struthers said: “We received Darren Williams’ licence application on September 18, ahead of his period of disqualification ending on September 25.

“In line with standard practice, any rider returning from a period of disqualification must meet with the Licensing Committee in consideration of his application.

“In this case, we have informed Mr Williams that we will be objecting to his licence application.

“However, until he has received the full reasons for our opposition in writing, it would be inappropriate to publicly discuss these reasons.

“The ultimate decision is one for the Licensing Committee and the date that has been provisionally set for the hearing is October 21.”