Scottish jockey is accused in racing corruption scandal

YOUNG Scottish jockey Greg Fairley is facing allegations of race-fixing and a potential ban of up to 25 years after being named in a corruption scandal which has rocked the sport.

The former champion apprentice, who won 85 races in 2009 and was seen as one of the sport's brightest talents, is among jockeys accused of "intentionally failing to ensure that their horse was run on its merits".

It is also alleged that he "communicated directly or indirectly to one or more betting exchange account holders, for material reward, gift, favour or benefit in kind, information relating to the prospects of the named horse".

Fairley, 23, has been charged along with fellow jockeys Paul Doe, Kirsty Milczarek and Jimmy Quinn, former rider Paul Fitzsimons, owners Maurice Sines and James Crickmore, and six others: Peter Gold, Nick Gold, Shaun Harris, David Kendrick, Darren May and Liam Vasey.

It follows a British Horseracing Authority investigation into suspicious betting activity.

Fairley's biggest success came in the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis Bayerisches Zuchtrennen, in Germany, aboard Lady Jane Digby, which is trained by his biggest supporter, Mark Johnston.

He could face a three-year ban if found guilty of "corrupt or fraudulent practice", six months if he has breached betting and inside information rules, or three years if guilty of passing information for reward.

However, the toughest penalty would be for "deliberately not riding a horse to obtain the best possible placing for personal reward or knowing it has been laid to lose", which could lead to a ban of between five and 25 years.

Mr Johnston, who is a director of the BHA and whose horses are not part of the inquiry, said: "Of course it's a shock. We don't know how serious it is yet. Our motto is 'always trying'; it would be a shock if he was not always trying, but that has not been established yet."

Chris Brand, acting chief executive of the BHA, said: "Protecting the integrity of racing is a key priority for the authority.

"The charges issued by the authority today are the result of a lengthy, detailed and complex investigation, following suspicious betting activity on more than one betting exchange and with traditional bookmakers.

"It is of course of utmost importance that those charged are given a fair hearing and the opportunity to defend themselves and we will therefore make no further comment on the details of this case at this stage."

In a statement, the Professional Jockeys Association said: "The PJA said they were aware of the ongoing BHA investigations relating to these jockeys, but were only informed recently that charges were imminent. The PJA has now recommended that the jockeys in question seek legal representation."

A ten-day independent disciplinary panel hearing has been set for 20 October.