Fallon 'outraged' by race-fix trial

12 April 2012

Millionaire jockey Kieren Fallon has spoken of his anger after the collapse of his £10 million race-fixing trial.

Fallon and five other men, who were accused of plotting to throw races, were acquitted by an Old Bailey jury on the directions of the trial judge.

Fallon had always protested his innocence and a judge threw the case out after the conclusion of the prosecution evidence.

The six-time champion jockey said: "I am of course relieved and delighted, but also outraged. There was never any evidence against me."

Fallon, 42, and fellow jockeys Fergal Lynch and Darren Williams were alleged to have plotted to lose 27 races so a betting syndicate could win on bets. But the judge, Mr Justice Forbes, found the Australian steward called to give expert evidence was not qualified to analyse British racing.

Fallon, who has been suspended from riding in Britain since his arrest last year, later joined defence lawyers in criticising the prosecution and calling for inquiries into its handling.

Fallon said: "I have always said I have never stopped a horse or fixed a race. The court has confirmed what we have always said - there was no evidence against me. I am devastated at having lost over a year's racing at the top level, at possibly the most important time in my career, and I have missed out on considerable income."

He said the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and its forerunner had been given "ample opportunity" to review the evidence.

This included that its own stewards had only held an inquiry into one of his races in the investigation and to hear from trainers "who confirmed that I always rode their horses to their satisfaction", said Fallon.

He added: "They chose not to, and instead ruled me guilty without trial by banning me from racing. The BHA's actions have caused me enormous personal pain at so many levels. I would like to sincerely thank my employers, John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor, and trainer Aidan O'Brien, as well as my family and friends, for standing by me and for their support throughout this terrible time. I can now look forward to the future."

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