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.

The 16 detainees have been held under suspicion of a conspiracy to defraud. Of those arrested three are jockeys and one is a horse trainer.

City of London Police Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Wilmott, the officer in charge of the operation, said: "We have amassed a large amount of information, including computer records and documentation seized today, and will now commence the detailed task of examining it all."

City of London Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Bowron said: "We are leaders in the investigation of Economic Crime and are very experienced in dealing with large-scale fraud cases. We are very pleased to have taken the lead role in this operation, which spans the whole of the country. This case is of great national significance not just to the racing community but to the wider public throughout the UK."

In a statement today, the Jockey Club confirmed that the fraud probe was initiated following investigative work by the Jockey Club’s Security Department, headed by Paul Scotney, a former detective chief superintendent.

The decision to refer the matter to the police was taken following consultation with the Chairman of the Jockey Club’s Security and Investigations Committee, Ben Gunn, a former Chief Constable.

Mr Scotney said today: “Earlier this year it became apparent that what had started out as an investigation into possible breaches of the Rules of Racing had uncovered evidence which indicated criminal activity which could undermine the integrity of horseracing. Consequently, we decided to refer the matter to the City of London Police, our decision also took account of the fact that the Jockey Club has no powers of search or arrest and has very limited powers when investigating individuals not bound by the Rules of Racing.

“Ever since the City of London Police took the case on, the investigation has been wholly in their hands. The Jockey Club has assisted the police when requested and acted as a conduit for information and intelligence relating to the investigation.”

(gmcg/sp)