Menu
07/12/2007
Kieren Fallon Cleared Of Race-Fixing
Former champion jockey Kieren Fallon has been cleared of race fixing, along with five other men, at the Old Bailey.
Mr Fallon, 42, from Co Tipperary in Ireland, was acquitted on the directions of judge, Mr Justice Forbes, along with fellow jockeys, Fergal Lynch, 29, from Boroughbridge in North Yorkshire and Darren William, 29, from Leyburn in North Yorkshire, businessman Miles Rodgers, 38, from Silkstone in South Yorkshire and two other men - Shaun Lynch, 37, from Londonderry, Northern Ireland and Philip Sherkle, 42, from Tamworth in Staffordshire.
The men had all been accused of plotting to throw races, thereby defrauding customers of betting exchange Betfair.
The charges related to alleged plots to stop 27 horses winning races between December 2002 and August 2004.
The main flaw in the case, which cost £6 million, was that it could not be proved that anyone had interfered with the horses.
The prosecution's expert witness was Australian racing steward Ray Murrihy, who had found fault with the jockeys in 13 of the races in the case. However, he admitted that he was not an expert on British horseracing, knowing little of the cultures and rules.
Mr Justice Forbes said that it was clear that Mr Murrihy's evidence "fell far, far short of establishing a prima facie breach of UK racing rules". He added that the probative value of his evidence was "so limited that very little value can be attached to it".
A statement released by Mr Fallon after the verdict said: "I am, of course, relieved and delighted, but also outraged. There was never any evidence against me."
(KMcA)
Mr Fallon, 42, from Co Tipperary in Ireland, was acquitted on the directions of judge, Mr Justice Forbes, along with fellow jockeys, Fergal Lynch, 29, from Boroughbridge in North Yorkshire and Darren William, 29, from Leyburn in North Yorkshire, businessman Miles Rodgers, 38, from Silkstone in South Yorkshire and two other men - Shaun Lynch, 37, from Londonderry, Northern Ireland and Philip Sherkle, 42, from Tamworth in Staffordshire.
The men had all been accused of plotting to throw races, thereby defrauding customers of betting exchange Betfair.
The charges related to alleged plots to stop 27 horses winning races between December 2002 and August 2004.
The main flaw in the case, which cost £6 million, was that it could not be proved that anyone had interfered with the horses.
The prosecution's expert witness was Australian racing steward Ray Murrihy, who had found fault with the jockeys in 13 of the races in the case. However, he admitted that he was not an expert on British horseracing, knowing little of the cultures and rules.
Mr Justice Forbes said that it was clear that Mr Murrihy's evidence "fell far, far short of establishing a prima facie breach of UK racing rules". He added that the probative value of his evidence was "so limited that very little value can be attached to it".
A statement released by Mr Fallon after the verdict said: "I am, of course, relieved and delighted, but also outraged. There was never any evidence against me."
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 September 2004
Jockey Fallon among 16 held over race fixing probe
The jockey Keiren Fallon is among 16 people arrested today as part of a police probe into allegations of race fixing and corruption. In swoops involving around 130 officers, the City of London Police, with assistance from Suffolk, North Yorkshire and South Yorkshire Police, executed 19 search warrants.
Jockey Fallon among 16 held over race fixing probe
The jockey Keiren Fallon is among 16 people arrested today as part of a police probe into allegations of race fixing and corruption. In swoops involving around 130 officers, the City of London Police, with assistance from Suffolk, North Yorkshire and South Yorkshire Police, executed 19 search warrants.
19 December 2014
Ban On Woman In Close Combat Could Be Lifted
A ban on a woman serving in close combat could be lifted by 2016 following an Army review that concluded it would "not have an adverse effect on troop cohesion". The Ministry of Defence review found that army roles should be "determine by ability and not gender", but added that further research on the "physiological demands" was needed.
Ban On Woman In Close Combat Could Be Lifted
A ban on a woman serving in close combat could be lifted by 2016 following an Army review that concluded it would "not have an adverse effect on troop cohesion". The Ministry of Defence review found that army roles should be "determine by ability and not gender", but added that further research on the "physiological demands" was needed.
11 February 2009
Prince Harry In New Race Row
Prince Harry is at the centre of a new race row after telling a black comedian, he did not "sound like a black chap". He is alleged to have made the comment to Stephen K Amos at a comedy show to celebrate Prince Charles' 60th birthday.
Prince Harry In New Race Row
Prince Harry is at the centre of a new race row after telling a black comedian, he did not "sound like a black chap". He is alleged to have made the comment to Stephen K Amos at a comedy show to celebrate Prince Charles' 60th birthday.
04 July 2003
Third of public bodies fail race equality standard, says CRE
Nearly one third of Britain's public bodies have stumbled at the first hurdle on new race equality duties, the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) has said following the publication of its survey today.
Third of public bodies fail race equality standard, says CRE
Nearly one third of Britain's public bodies have stumbled at the first hurdle on new race equality duties, the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) has said following the publication of its survey today.
20 December 2010
National Jockey Wins Sports Personality Race
The Co Antrim Grand National winning jockey, Tony McCoy has been voted the 2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The 36-year-old has been the champion jump jockey 15 times and becomes the first rider to win the BBC award after claiming 41.98% of the vote.
National Jockey Wins Sports Personality Race
The Co Antrim Grand National winning jockey, Tony McCoy has been voted the 2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The 36-year-old has been the champion jump jockey 15 times and becomes the first rider to win the BBC award after claiming 41.98% of the vote.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
