Five Charged With Conspiracy to Defraud
Published: 10 March 1999
The five people charged today with conspiracy to defraud bookmakers and others are being notified that the Jockey Club is to consider whether to exclude them from all licensed premises until the outcome of the criminal proceedings is known.
While none of the five is licensed by the Jockey Club, the Stewards of the Jockey Club can exclude them under Rule 2 (v) of the Rules of Racing, on the grounds that due to the serious nature of the charges their presence at any licensed training yard and racecourse is undesirable.
It has also been confirmed by the Metropolitan Police that licensed jockeys Ray Cochrane and Dean Gallagher will not be charged. The Stewards of the Jockey Club will now review all the information available and, having taken legal advice, determine if and when any regulatory action is appropriate under the Rules of Racing.
Christopher Foster, the Jockey Club’s Executive Director, said today following the announcement of these developments: “The Jockey Club considers the fact that some charges have now been brought at least brings this investigation a significant step nearer to conclusion.
“We are mindful of the fact that this matter is sub-judice and we will have to consider carefully what, if any, regulatory measures we should take between now and the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, when the position will be considerably clearer.”
It is as a direct result of the action taken by the Jockey Club to investigate and then pass information to the police that five people have now been charged with conspiracy to defraud bookmakers and others.
Notes for Editors:
Rule 2 (v) of the Rules of Racing states:
The Stewards of the Jockey Club shall have power to exclude or cause or order to be excluded for any period or for an indefinite period from any premises owned, licensed or controlled by them any person whether or not subject to the Rules of Racing where, in their absolute discretion, they consider the presence of such person on such premises undesirable in the interest of racing even though such person is not and has not been declared, a disqualified person.
