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Panorama returns to reveal the "Dirty Secrets" of horse racing

Amy Mathieson, H&H news writer

28 July, 2008

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Nearly six years after its original expose on corruption in horse racing, the BBC's Panorama is back this week with a follow-up investigation entitled "Racing's Dirty Secrets".

Reporter Paul Kenyon will be looking behind the scenes of racing in an hour-long special to be shown at 9pm on Wednesday, 30 July.

Little information has been revealed about the content of the programme though it is believed it will feature the recent crown court trial involving Kieren Fallon, Fergal Lynch and Darren Williams.

It is also thought to be focusing on the use — and misuse — of inside information, the growth of internet exchange betting sites and on the increased number of gamblers "laying" runners — betting on horses to lose rather than win.

A BBC statement said: "Paul Kenyon reveals why those running the sport are so concerned about gamblers betting large sums of money on horses not to win but to lose. While ordinary punters risk their cash on picking winners, those in the know are playing a different game altogether."

Paul Struthers from the British Horseracing Authority said: "If Panorama is making the allegation that there are some people attacking the sport and trying to cheat, then we'd be the first to admit that there are, and always have been. Any sport where betting is involved will attract people on the fringes who will try to cheat the odds by obtaining and misusing inside information. And within the sport there are some people who are susceptible to these corrupting influences, either because they are greedy or naïve.

"Since Panorama first approached us, we've been completely open with them. We don't have anything to hide and we want them to understand our position and everything we've done on behalf of racing. Racing has invested large sums of money in fighting corruption.

"If, therefore, Panorama has uncovered any evidence of wrongdoing, then we would welcome such evidence so we can act on it."

In October 2002, Panorama went behind the scenes in a programme called "The Corruption of Racing", which included an allegation by the former Jockey Club head of security Roger Buffham of "institutional corruption".

www.bbc.co.uk/panorama/

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