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Read Full BioA man in the UK has been arrested over allegations of race fixing. The 42-year-old was arrested in Hawkshaw, Bury, on Friday morning after a joint investigation by the police and the Gambling Commission.
A statement on the UK Gambling Commission‘s website said: “The investigation was launched following reports of suspicious betting activity linked to horse races earlier this year.”
The man is accused of violating section 42 of the Gambling Act, which states that it is an offence to “cheat at gambling” or “enabling or assisting another person to cheat at gambling.”
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a fine. The Commission declined to provide any further details on the matter. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) also said: “The BHA does not comment on investigations or speculation surrounding investigations.”
Jockey Under Investigation
The man’s identity has not been confirmed, but there were reports last month that a jockey was under investigation over race-fixing allegations.
The Sun reported that at least one other rider and a licensed trainer were also implicated in the enquiries. As part of the investigation, the BHA requested the jockey hand over electrical devices, including laptops, tablets and mobile phones.
Police also searched a property in the same area of the North as the jockey is based. The arrest in Bury, which is located in Northern England, suggests it is part of the same investigation.
The jockey is reported to have been stood down by the BHA and has not ridden in the last few months. If found guilty of race-fixing, the jockey would face a lengthy ban from the sport.
In a fixing scandal in 2023, jockey Danny Brock was banned for 15 years. Brock was found guilty of stopping two horses during races. This allowed a group of gamblers to profit by betting against the jockey.
UK Racing Facing Growing Threats
The arrest comes at a time when the BHA organized a strike protesting against a potential tax increase on UK horse racing. Racing was canceled at Uttoxeter, Lingfield, Kempton, and Carlisle on Wednesday last week.
When calling the strike, Brant Dunshea, Chief Executive at the BHA, said: “British Racing is already in a precarious financial position and research has shown that a tax rise on racing could be catastrophic for the sport and the thousands of jobs that rely on it in towns and communities across the country.”
The government has proposed increasing the tax on horse racing bets from 15% to 21%. There have also been calls to increase the rate up to 25% in addition to raising rates on slots and online casinos to 50%.
Opponents have argued the increases could have devastating effects. Dunshea added: “This is the first time that British Racing has chosen not to race due to Government proposals. We haven’t taken this decision lightly, but in doing so we are urging the Government to rethink this tax proposal to protect the future of our sport, which is a cherished part of Britain’s heritage and culture.”
A race fixing scandal so soon after the protest that aims to protect the sport could be particularly damaging.
