The Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) held an enquiry on Thursday 21st February 2013, to consider whether or not former amateur rider Mr John Mathias was in breach of Rule (D)54 of the Rules of Racing in that he placed a bet on a horse with a betting organisation in a race in which he was riding.

The back bets in question were:

1. 7th March 2011 Ffos Las 16:00 COMEHOMEQUIETLY
2. 21st February 2012 Taunton 14:30 CHANGING LANES
3. 28th March 2012 Ludlow 16:50 POSTMASTER
4. 30th May 2012 Newton Abbott 16:30 SUPERMAN DE LA RUE

In each of the above cases Mr Mathias was the rider of the horse he backed, except for the instance of POSTMASTER, where Mr Mathias rode the horse PATHIAN PRINCE, which was pulled up.

The Panel heard evidence from Mr Mathias, who was legally represented.

The Panel accepted an admission from Mr Mathias that he was in breach of Rule (D)54 and disqualified him for one year from Friday 22nd February 2013 until 21st February 2014 inclusive.

Full reasons for the Panel’s decision will follow at a later date.