The controversy currently surrounding Chris Munce is only the latest in a number of integrity incidents around the world involving jockeys. His alleged involvement in a tipping scheme is a very serious offence under Hong Kong rules, and being arrested just before boarding a plane at the Hong Kong airport only proves that a substantial amount of time and money has been spent investigating the case. In the United Kingdom, the conspiracy charges laid against Keiren Fallon have come after a long, protracted investigation and are certain to continue to make headlines for many months to come, involving one of the world's leading hoops. The fact that Betfair has been mentioned in Fallon's particular case is certain to ensure extra negative press from international racing authorities keen to promote disaster scenarios around the world's leading exchange. Australia is not missing out on making its own headlines, with the continued investigation by Racing NSW Stewards into two races run at Rosehill and Canterbury recently, with jockeys and stewards verbally clashing on a number of occasions during the inquiries. Even if most of these charges are eventually dropped, or if the accused are eventually found 'not guilty' through court proceedings, racing authorities around the world must be disappointed that such high profile, highly paid jockeys have allowed themselves to be involved in situations and persons that could at be regarded as controversial and shady. Kevin Skene, TRACKDATA, 05/07/2006 |
JOCKEYS STIRRING CYNICS WORLDWIDE