Licensed jockey Richie McGrath, former licensed trainer Kate Walton and registered persons Mark Aspey, Carl Flint, Kristian Robson, David Stevens and David M. Greenwood have been informed that they have been charged with breaches of the Rules of Racing, as follows. The charges will be considered at a hearing which is provisionally scheduled for 11 November 2014:
1. Whether Richie McGrath, Mark Aspey, Carl Flint, Kristian Robson, David Stevens, David M. Greenwood and/or Kate Walton, in the period between about 1 October 2009 and 18 July 2012, acted in breach of Rule (A) 41.2 by conspiring together and/or with others unknown to commit a corrupt or fraudulent practice, namely the use of Inside Information about the likely performance of horses for betting purposes when:
a) the information was (i) known by a Licensed Jockey, Richie McGrath and/or a Licensed Trainer, Kate Walton, as a result of acting as a Licensed Jockey and/or a Licensed Trainer and (ii) not information in the public domain or regarded as such under the Rules of Racing (and hence ‘Inside Information’ as defined within Rule (A) 36) and would provide a bettor with an unfair advantage in the betting market.
b) the information was or included the fact that Richie McGrath was prepared, if necessary, to omit to ride the horse on its merits so as to prevent it from winning or being placed in the race.
and/or:
2. Whether Mark Aspey, Carl Flint, Kristian Robson, David Stevens and/or David M. Greenwood in the period between about 1 January 2011 and 13 May 2011, acted in breach of Rule (E) 92.2by placing lay bets on Rumble Of Thunder (IRE) when they knew they – or were reckless as to whether they – were prohibited from doing so as Listed Persons.
and/or:
3. Whether Kate Walton, in the period between about 1 January 2011 and 13 May 2011, acted in breach of Rule (A) 37by assisting, encouraging or causing one or more others to act in contravention of Rule (E) 92.2by placing lay bets on Rumble Of Thunder (IRE) when those persons were prohibited from doing so as Listed Persons.
Notes to Editors
1. There are in total 57 races which are potentially involved in this investigation, from October 2009 until April 2012. The table of races can be found here
2. BHA will not comment any further or release any further detail relating to these charges, pending a disciplinary hearing.
3. The Panel for the hearing will be: Tim Charlton QC (Chair), Hopper Cavendish and Celina Carter.
4. Seven working days have been set aside for the hearing, provisionally ending on 19 November. However, the date of the hearing may be subject to change.
5. Details of the Rules in question and possible penalties are as follows
(A)41.2 Involvement in corrupt or fraudulent practices in relation to racing
http://rules.britishhorseracing.com/Orders-and-rules&staticID=126207&depth=3
Entry point: Disqualify/Exclude 3 years
Range: 6 months – 10 years
(E)92.2 Restrictions on laying to lose
http://rules.britishhorseracing.com/Orders-and-rules&staticID=126895&depth=3
Entry point: Disqualify/Exclude 18 months
Range: 3 months – 10 years
(A)37 Assisting, encouraging or causing Rule contraventions
http://rules.britishhorseracing.com/Orders-and-rules&staticID=126202&depth=3
For Penalty see Rule that was breached
