UK jocks wrist slapped for being bent

Jockeys face BHA
censure for India conduct
BY GRAHAM GREEN 7:57PM 5 FEB 2015

THE BHA pulled no punches on Thursday night in expressing “grave disapproval” over the conduct of senior jockeys Martin Dwyer and Paul Mulrennan following allegations they discussed betting on a race in India five years ago.

Neither jockey is to be charged over the affair, but both are set to be reprimanded when summoned to the regulatory body’s London headquarters for a meeting it is understood new chief executive Nick Rust plans to attend.

Although the pair have strenuously denied any wrongdoing since a tape was anonymously sent to the stewards of the Royal Western India Turf Club in September 2013, they found themselves back in the spotlight last June when an alleged recording of the two men in conver­sation was posted on YouTube, since seen more than 22,500 times.

On the tape Dwyer allegedly tells Mulrennan the horse he is riding in the 2010 Eclipse Stakes of India at Mahalaxmi racecourse in Mumbai the following day could not win, and that he planned to back Ice Breaker, who won under David Allan. Mulrennan’s mount finished fourth.

Allan is not suspected of any involve­ment, but the RWITC subsequently informed Dwyer and Mulrennan it would not consider new licence applications before they first attended a stewards’ inquiry, although that decision was largely academic as neither plans to ride in India again.

Both riders were interviewed by the BHA in September last year, but although they have escaped punishment with the closing of the investigation, the High Holborn hierarchy, led by Rust, are determined to hammer home how seriously they regard the matter.

BHA media manager Robin Mounsey said: “Having interviewed both Dwyer and Mulrennan, and taken all reasonable steps available to investigate the matter, the BHA does not consider the evidence available justifies charging either rider with misconduct under the BHA’s rules of racing.”

However, Mounsey added: “While the BHA is conscious of the fact neither rider admitted the recording was a complete or wholly accurate account of the conversation that took place between them, the BHA expresses grave disapproval that two licensed jockeys found it appropriate to hold any sort of conversation of the nature apparent from the recording.”

He added: “The BHA is disappointed that senior jockeys considered such a conver­sation appropriate on any terms and will speak further with both jockeys in due course. In the meantime, the BHA reminds all jockeys of the standards of behaviour and integrity that are expected of them at all times.”

Professional Jockeys Association chief executive Paul Struthers said: “While the investigation has concluded and the jockeys will not be charged, the BHA wishes to speak further to the two jockeys and therefore it would be inappropriate for them to comment until that has taken place.”

Martin Dwyer was on the one we backed at Kempton 2/3 days ago.
He was on Mossgo when he didn't take the blindfold off at the start and lost 3 lengths only to be beaten a neck.
Coincidence?

Dave , I've stopped poo pooing people when they tell me a race was bent these days. Used to defend them blaming sore losers etc , but it happens %100 racing is not a level playing field for punters