Licensed jockey Martin Harley has been informed that he is no longer required to attend a Disciplinary Panel hearing to consider whether he is in breach of Rule (B)59.4 of the Rules of Racing in that he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure his horse, REBEL LIGHTNING (IRE), was run on its merits in the @totepoolracing win tickets on twitter handicap at Chelmsford City racecourse on 17 November 2016.

The potential breach had been detected by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA)’s internal post-race review processes and subsequently reviewed by the BHA’s Disciplinary Officer, and Mr Harley was charged on Tuesday 29 November under the failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures rule, not the more serious offence of intentionally not riding his mount on its merits.

Further internal discussion, together with the preliminary response of Mr Harley, identified that immediately following the race Mr Harley at the same time as reporting being denied a clear run, also reported that his REBEL LIGHTENING (IRE) took a wrong step coming off the bend and because of this he waited for his mount to recover. Upon reviewing this additional information, the BHA’s Disciplinary Officer is satisfied that the rider does not have a case to answer in relation to a breach of the Rules of Racing.