Common Riding sees banned jockey Fairley take racing honours

DISGRACED former jockey Greg Fairley made a winning comeback yesterday when he triumphed in the 127th Tradesmen’s Handicap.

The 24-year-old, who was banned from racing for 12 years last December after an investigation into corruption, was taking part in the event at the two-day Hawick Common Riding meeting in the Borders.

Fairley received his lengthy ban from the British Horseracing Authority, along with three fellow riders, for ensuring horses did not run on their merits.

However, he rode Volare at the Hawick meeting as flapping – flat horse-racing – does not come under Jockey Club rules.Fairley was regarded as one of the country’s most promising jockeys and was champion apprentice in 2007 with 65 winners. But his career was ended by the 12-year ban following a lengthy BHA investigations.

Last year’s Tradesmen’s winner, My Way, was a non-runner, but its winning jockey Gary Berridge rode Acannacanoe, which had been among the favourites for the seven-furlong contest.

Today’s big race is the Buccleuch Handicap at 1:15pm.

Those taking part in the Common Riding, which began at around 4:30am yesterday, followed the tradition of stopping off for a rum and milk breakfast.