Racing: Irish jockey Jimmy Quinn was one of number of people charged for serious breaches of the rules of racing following an investigation by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).
Quinn was today named along with current jockeys Paul Doe, Greg Fairley, Kirsty Milczarek plus Paul Fitzsimons, who is no longer a jockey but is a licensed trainer.
It is alleged they conspired to commit a corrupt or fraudulent practice following a British Horseracing Authority investigation into suspicious betting activity on a number of races.
Registered owners Maurice Sines and James Crickmore have also been charged with the same breach of the rules, along with six others - Peter Gold, Nick Gold, Shaun Harris, David Kendrick, Darren May and Liam Vasey.
All of the individuals except the jockeys are alternatively/additionally charged with another breach in that it is alleged “they caused the jockey in the race to act by communicating to him directly or indirectly, at his request and for material reward, gift, favour or benefit in kind, Inside information in relation to the named horse”.
Each of the jockeys is additionally charged with a different breach in that it is alleged “they 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”.
The allegations focus on horses being laid to lose on betting exchanges in 10 races that took place between January 17th, 2009 and August 15th, 2009.
As well as being charged for allegedly passing on information for reward, each of the jockeys has also been charged with “intentionally failing to ensure that their horse was run on its merits”.
Doe has been charged in relation to a total of five races combining both charges. The races took place at Lingfield, Wolverhampton, Kempton and Bath.
Fairley has been charged in relation to four races, Quinn with two and Milczarek and Fitzsimons to one race each.
An independent disciplinary panel hearing has been set for October 20th and is scheduled to last 10 days.
The guideline penalty for any jockey found guilty of “deliberately not riding a horse to obtain the best possible placing for personal reward or knowing it has been laid to lose” is five to 25 years disqualification, with an entry point of eight years.
“Corrupt or Fraudulent Practice” has an entry point of three years, “causing a licensed person to breach the betting/inside information rules” is six months and 'passing information for reward' is three years.
An owner laying a horse he owns to lose has an entry point of 18 months.
Chris Brand, acting chief executive of the BHA, said: "Protecting the integrity of racing is a key priority for the Authority.
"In recent years we have invested heavily into a wide ranging infrastructure of investigatory services designed to monitor and combat integrity threats to our sport.
"British racing is rightly recognised worldwide for its expertise in this area and the high standards we set for both ourselves and those participating.
"Racegoers and punters should be reassured that the overwhelming majority of races are free of suspicion and we are committed to deterring and detecting wrong-doing and taking action when we believe there is evidence of it.
"We will continue to look to the support of Government and other agencies in ensuring an effective regulatory regime and the provision of dedicated resources to assist in this area.
"Recent events demonstrate this is a growing concern many sports share.
"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."
A Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) statement added: "The PJA said they were aware of the on-going 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. The PJA stressed that on any issues concerning integrity, which is vital to the sport of horse racing, it will continue to support the BHA in carrying out that function.
"Until this case is concluded, the PJA, as the trade body for jockeys, will continue to offer advice and support to the jockeys should they seek it."