Notice of a forthcoming Disciplinary Panel hearing (Matthew Hopkins)

26 May 2015

Former licensed apprentice jockey Matthew Hopkins has been informed that he has been charged with breaches of the Rules of Racing, as follows:

1. Whether Matthew Hopkins acted in breach of Rule (D)53.2 of the Rules of Racing by virtue of the fact that, as a Professional Rider, he placed back bets with one or more Betting Organisations; and

2. Whether Matthew Hopkins acted in breach of Rule (D)53.2 of the Rules of Racing by virtue of the fact that, as a Professional Rider, he placed a lay bet with a Betting Organisation.

The date for the hearing has been provisionally set as Thursday 25 June 2015.

Notes to Editors:

1. The BHA will provide no further comment or detail regarding the charges before the conclusion of the disciplinary process.

2. Details of the Rule in question and possible penalties are as follows:

Rule (D)53: Betting and betting contacts: professional riders
Jockey – bets, lays or accepts the proceeds etc 
Entry point: Disqualify 18 months
Range: 3 months – 10 years