HORSERACING REGULATORY AUTHORITY RESPONSE TO CLAIMS MADE BY FRAN FERRIS IN TODAY’S NEWS OF THE WORLD

Published: Sunday 06 May 2007

Paul Struthers, PR Manager for the Horseracing Regulatory Authority, said:

“The brazen admissions that Fran Ferris has made to the News of the World, after he has been thrown out of horseracing in disgrace, reinforce the action we have already taken against him.

“Given the allegations of serious corruption Ferris makes through the News of the World, and the shadow of suspicion these allegations cast, we will be writing formally to both the News of the World and Ferris requesting that they hand over any evidence of wrongdoing and pass on any further information they have.

“We will also have to consider, through our Disciplinary processes, whether his admissions will result in any further action or penalty.

“Prior to these confessions, and following two separate investigations, each lasting between two and three years, Ferris had already been found guilty of passing on information for reward and of stopping horses, even though he protested his innocence all along. His belated admissions of guilt, for which he was no doubt paid, highlight that we are able to uncover corruption and take action against those who perpetrate it.

“We have a very clear job to do, on behalf of racing, punters and everyone connected with the sport, which is to protect racing’s integrity and we remain absolutely determined to root out corruption.

“The whole industry must get behind us on this because it cannot afford the public to lose confidence in horseracing.”

13th May 2007

Notes for Editors:

For further information please contact Paul Struthers on 07966 590105.