by Ryan D. Jaeger
The British Horseracing Authority believes that it has uncovered a ring of
professionals involved in the industry who conspired to fix races and place
suspicious bets.
After a lengthy investigation, thirteen people are now under official
investigation for deliberately riding loser races with the sole purpose of
profiting on the UK gambling markets.
The group of thirteen includes four jockeys, a horse trainer and two horse
owners, as well as six co-conspirators.
The four jockeys named in the charges were Greg Fairley, Jimmy Quinn, Paul
Doe and Kirsty Milczarek. While Milczarek is dating former champion jockey,
Kieren Fallon, it is important to stress that Fallon himself has not been
accused of any wrongdoing.
The brains behind the conspiracy are allegedly the two licensed horse owners,
James Crickmore and Maurice Sines.
The two apparently profited from bets placed on their own horses losing in
ten Flat races that were run between January and August 2009. Co-conspirators
were instructed to place bets on their behalf, with the two knowing that the
horses would lose the races since they had instructed the jockeys to ride
losers.
25 Year Ban
The jockeys, all who vehemently deny any wrongdoing, could face multi year
bans from racing if found guilty.
The most serious charge - that of intentionally failing to ensure that the
horse runs on its merits - could see a ban of anything between five and 25
years.
Other charges include the conspiracy to commit a fraudulent practice and the
intention to pass information to betting exchange account holders for financial
or material gain.
The jockeys will still be allowed to race until a ten day independent
disciplinary panel hearing begins on October 20th.
The UK Gambling Commission is aware of the charges but has opted not pursue
the case right now.
