Racing: Alan Jarvis today told the race bets scam trial Kieren Fallon was the "best jockey in the world".
Jarvis said he was amazed his horse, Right Answer, was alleged to be part of a plot to let horses lose in a race in which the mare was ridden by the six-times champion jockey.
Right Answer finished second under Fallon in the John Smith's "Ave It" Stakes race at York on July 10, 2004.
Giving evidence for the prosecution, Mr Jarvis told the Old Bailey: "He gave a perfect ride, probably the best race the horse ever ran. I was more than satisfied with it."
Fallon and fellow jockeys Darren Williams and Fergal Lynch deny conspiring to not let 27 mounts race on their merits so a syndicate could win on bets.
Asked by John Kelsey-Fry, QC, defending Fallon, what he thought of the allegation involving Right Answer, Jarvis said: "It's absolutely rubbish. I did not even know my horse was involved until I read about it in the paper.
"Until you ask me what riding instructions I had given him, how can you judge?"
Jarvis said he had known Fallon for many years and used him on a number of occasions.
"He is the best jockey in the world. I have never had any doubt about any horses he has ridden for me."
Last week, racing expert Ray Murrihy said he would not have queried the race either.
Fallon, 42, Lynch, 29, and Williams, 29, deny the conspiracy between December 2002 and August 2004.
Lynch's brother, Shaun Lynch, 38, professional gambler Miles Rodgers, 38, and Philip Sherkle, 42, also plead not guilty.
Rodgers also denies concealing the proceeds of crime.
All the defendants are on bail.