Race-fixing hearing against Lynch, Burke, Williams and Rodgers begins

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has begun a disciplinary enquiry revisiting the Old Bailey race-fixing trial of December 2007, which sensationally saw champion jockey Kieren Fallon in the dock.

Former owner Miles Rodgers, trainer Karl Burke and jockeys Fergal Lynch and Darren Williams all face a possible disqualification from the sport should they be found guilty.

The BHA hearing, which started today (Thursday 25 June) could last up to a week and follows a BHA review of the evidence obtained during the Old Bailey Crown Court case 18-months ago.

Although the trial against Kieran collapsed, the BHA requested information from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the City of London Police against the other defendants.

Kieren is currently sitting out an 18-month suspension for a failed drug test and is expected to return to raceriding in September.

But Lynch, Williams, Burke and Rogers all now face charges.

The charges relate to runners in 12 races during a five-month period in 2004.

During that period betting accounts allegedly held by Mr Rodgers, who had been banned from racing for laying horses, risked more than £800,000 in lay bets — betting on them to lose.

The accounts are reported to have won more than £87,000, despite one horse winning and losing the accounts £40,000.

The trainer and two jockeys face charges of passing inside information for reward to Mr Rogers, knowing he was already banned.

Mr Lynch also faces charges of not running a horse to its merits and receiving profits from placing bets.

Both jockeys are also charged with failing to provide records and information to BHA investigators.

Mr Burke, who is currently having his best season as a trainer, is also charged with attempting to mislead investigators.

Charges against Mr Rodgers include causing Lynch, Williams and Burke to be in breach of the rules, laying horses through inside information placing bets on Lynch’s behalf and providing the jockey with the proceeds.

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