Jockeys banned after race-fixing probe

Successful flat jockey Robert Winston has been banned for race riding for one-year, following a Horseracing Regulatory Authority investigation into corruption. Fellow jockeys Robbie Fitzpatrick and Luke Fletcher have been warned off for three years, while Fran Ferris has been warned off for 24 months.

Under the HRA’s verdicts, Winston will be allowed to continue to work in racing during the next 12 months, although his flat racing licence has been suspended. Fitzpatrick, Fletcher and Ferris are not allowed to enter any training stables or racecourses during their disqualification period.

Other individuals found guilty of breaking the rules of racing in the investigation include Nottinghamshire-based bookmaker Ian Nicholl, who has been warned off indefinitely and will not be allowed to reapply for access to racecourses for 10 years. Four other unlicensed individuals were also warned off.

The HRA investigation surrounded 37 races which took place between 16 June, 2003 and 29 February, 2006, together with associated betting activities that earned almost £48,000 on Betfair.

In a statement issued through his solicitor, Robert Winston said he was “shocked and disappointed” by the HRA’s finding that he was in breach of rule 243 in giving information for reward, but that his disappointment was “tempered to some degree” by the HRA’s acceptance that “in no instance did he [Robert Winston] ride to lose”.

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