Jump jockey among seven facing corruption charges involving 57 races
Scottish Grand National-winning jockey Richie McGrath (pictured above wearing red and blue silks), former trainer Kate Walton and five others are facing corruption charges after an investigation by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).
The period which has been investigated is from October 2009 until April 2012 and involves 57 races.
The five other registered individuals are Mark Aspey, Carl Flint, Kristian Robson, David Stevens and David Greenwood.
The charges will be considered at a hearing which is provisionally scheduled for 11 November.
Speaking on behalf of Richie McGrath, his solicitor Andrew Chalk, said: “Richie is shocked and bitterly disappointed to be facing charges, but vigorously maintains his innocence and intends to fight to clear his name, however financially straining that may be.
“However, this case yet again highlights the vast imbalance in resources between the prosecuting authority and those who have to defend themselves, often with their livelihood at stake.
“A fair hearing demands a level playing field, but these cases are rarely played out on such a surface.”
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The statement also said that while investigations were ongoing, Richie would stand down from his position as a board member of the Professional Jockey Association (PJA).
Paul Struthers, chief executive of the PJA, said: “We respect Richie’s decision to temporarily stand down from being on our board. In the meantime, it is the PJA’s role to support Richie where we are able and we will offer every assistance we can to him.”
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Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.