Following an investigation into suspicious betting activity on a number of races, the British Horseracing Authority has charged 13 individuals with serious breaches of the Rules of Racing. The allegations focus on horses being laid to lose on betting exchanges in 10 races that took place between 17 January 2009 and 15 August 2009.

Registered owners Maurice Sines and James Crickmore, licensed jockeys Paul Doe, Greg Fairley, Paul Fitzsimons (no longer a jockey but now a licensed trainer), Kirsty Milczarek and Jimmy Quinn, and 6 others – Peter Gold, Nick Gold, Shaun Harris, David Kendrick, Darren May and Liam Vasey – have all been charged with a breach of Rule 201(v) of the old Rules of Racing in that it is alleged they conspired to commit a corrupt or fraudulent practice.

All of the individuals except the jockeys are alternatively/additionally charged with a breach of Rule 220(ix) of the old Rules of Racing in that it is alleged that they caused the jockey in the race to act in breach of Rule 243 by communicating to him directly or indirectly, at his request and for material reward, gift, favour or benefit in kind, Inside Information in relation to the named horse.

Each of the jockeys is additionally charged with a breach of Rule 243 of the old Rules of Racing in that it is alleged they communicated directly or indirectly to one or more betting exchange account holders, for material reward, gift, favour or benefit in kind, information relating to the prospects of the named horse as follows:

Paul Doe – Races 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8
Greg Fairley – Races 5, 6, 8 & 9
Paul Fitzsimons – Race 3
Kirsty Milczarek – Race 10
Jimmy Quinn – Races 1 & 2

In relation to races one and three only, Maurice Sines and James Crickmore are also charged with a breach of Rule 247 of the old Rules of Racing in that it is alleged that they instructed others to place lay bets on their behalf and/or received the whole or any part of the proceeds of such bets when they were the owners of the named horse.

Maurice Sines is additionally charged with a breach of Rule (A)50.2.2 in that he refused to attend an interview with BHA investigators.

Each jockey is also charged with a breach or breaches of Rule 157 of the old Rules of Racing in that it is alleged they intentionally failed to ensure that their horse was run on its merits as follows:

Paul Doe – Races 4 & 8
Greg Fairley – Races 5, 6 & 9
Paul Fitzsimons – Race 3
Kirsty Milczarek – Race 10
Jimmy Quinn – Race 1

The races in question are:

An independent Disciplinary Panel hearing has been set for 20^th October 2011 and is scheduled to last 10 days.