The jury was asked by the presiding judge, Justice Forbes, to rule that Kieren Fallon had no case to answer to and that is the how the race-fixing trial involving Fallon and five others ended in London.
Kieren Fallon, 42, the jockey with tremendous name recognition and champion British rider, was acquitted of all charges. Jockeys Fergal Lynch, 29, and Darren Williams, 26, were also cleared. Shaun Lynch, Fergal's brother, was acquitted as well. Miles Rodgers, the alleged mastermind of the scheme, and Philip Sherkle, a barman, were also cleared.
A statement from the British Horse Racing Authority said, "Kieren Fallon's right to ride in the UK has been restored with immediate effect."
Fallon reacted with palpable relief. "There never was any evidence against me. I am delighted the burden is off but I am also outraged."
He thanked the Coolmore group (Fallon's primary patrons) and his legal team.
The Coolmore group--Mr Tabor, Mr Magnier and Mr Smith--issued a statement. "Kieren Fallon has been superb in riding all our horses. His record is there for all to see. It has been a terrible time for Kieren and we're delighted that it is finally behind him."
Justice Forbes pointed out that Australian steward Ray Murrihy's evidence fell short of meeting the standard. Murrihy had said that it was not incumbent upon him to verse himself with UK or other jurisdiction rules. Justice Forbes explained, "It was only in the cross examination that the shortcomings and limitations in Mr Murrihy's evidence came to light."
The accused jockeys were charged with conspiring to stop 27 horses between December 2002 and August 2004 with the intent of defrauding Betfair (a betting outfit that specializes in spread betting) customers and other fans. Fallon was implicated in 17 of those races.
Fallon won five of those 17 races and that was an average higher than his normal percentage. The jury was impressed with this fact and the contradiction that it generated went in Fallon's favour.
The Hong Kong Vase favourite Dylan Thomas has been one of Fallon's favourite horses. More than once, Fallon has named Dylan Thomas the best horse he has ridden. It may be too late for Fallon to come to Hong Kong for Sunday's big race.
I am trying to reach Fallon. If I do, I will get his reaction and let readers of Indiarace know.
I vividly recall the post-Arc press conference when I had an opportunity to talk to Fallon. He had won the Arc late in the afternoon on Sunday. The trial was beginning on Monday in London. Fallon made his sadness clear at not being able to go to the US to ride in the Breeders' Cup races. He missed BC races in 2006 and 2007. In terms of intellect, Fallon has few peers. As a judge of pace, he is one of the best. The two Epsom Derbies, Kris Kin in 2003 and North Light in 2004, were marvellous rides. His two Arc victories aboard Hurricane Run in 2005 and Dylan Thomas this year, are etched in my mind.
Source: Racing Post |
