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Richie McGrath charged with corruption

17-09-2014 1:34pm

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Just seen this story breaking:

McGrath and Walton charged with corruption

THE BHA on Wednesday brought corruption charges against Scottish Grand National-winning jockey Richie McGrath, former trainer Kate Walton and five others.

The period in question runs from October 1, 2009, to July 18, 2012, with 57 races potentially involved in the investigation.

If found guilty of breaching rule (A)41.2 'Involvement in corrupt or fraudulent practices in relation to racing' a ban from the sport of up to ten years could be issued, with an entry point of three years.

McGrath and Walton also face a charge of providing a bettor with an unfair advantage in the betting market, which could include the information that McGrath was prepared to prevent a horse from running on its merits.

Licensed individuals Mark Aspey, Carl Flint, Kristian Robson, David Stevens and David Greenwood face charges of breaching rule (E)92.2 by placing lay bets on Rumble Of Thunder when they knew they were prohibited from doing so. Walton faces a charge of encouraging them to do so.

McGrath, who won the Scottish Grand National on Ryalux in 2003 and is on the board of the PJA, has not ridden in public since March, while Walton last had runners in December 2012.

Speaking on behalf of McGrath, his solicitor Andrew Chalk, said: "Richie is shocked and bitterly disappointed to be facing charges, but vigorously maintains his innocence and intends to fight to clear his name, however financially straining that may be.

"However, this case yet again highlights the vast imbalance in resources between the prosecuting authority and those who have to defend themselves, often with their livelihood at stake. A fair hearing demands a level playing field, but these cases are rarely played out on such a surface.

"Additionally, Richie has informed the Professional Jockeys Association that, whilst he fights to clear his name, he will temporarily stand down as a board member of the PJA."

Paul Struthers, chief executive of the PJA, said: "We respect Richie's decision to temporarily stand down from being on our board. In the meantime, it is the PJA's role to support Richie where we are able and we will offer every assistance we can to him."

The panel for the hearing will be Tim Charlton QC (chair), Hopper Cavendish and Celina Carter. The BHA have set aside seven working days for the hearing.

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