Danny Brock, who rode on the Flat from 2009 to 2021, has been disqualified from racing for 15 years for deliberately stopping his mount in three races in December 2018 and March 2019. Sean McBride, the assistant trainer at a stable in Newmarket belonging to his father, Philip, has been disqualified for seven years for his part in the race-fixing conspiracy, while three more individuals – Eugene Maloney, Luke Howells and Andrew Perring – have been excluded from the sport for at least 15 years.
In two of the races at the heart of the case, Brock ensured that Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Mochalov did not win after significant “lay” bets were placed against the horse on the Betfair betting exchange.
In the other, a two-horse race in which Brock rode Samovar for Scott Dixon, the conspirators won about £100,000 by backing his only rival, Tricky Dicky. The panel found that Samovar lost a dozen lengths at the start and that his rider “made no serious effort thereafter” until giving him “a slight push a furlong from home”.
After the announcement of the penalties, a spokesperson for the British Horseracing Authority said the “welcome outcome sends a powerful message that conduct of this nature will never be tolerated in British racing”.
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The spokesperson added: “The conduct of the individuals found in breach in this case risked undermining confidence in our sport and flagrantly disregarded the hard work and dedication of people up and down the country who carry out their duties in good faith.
“It is vital that supporters and bettors have faith in the fairness and integrity of our sport. At the same time, participants must have absolute confidence that they are competing on a level playing field. We are grateful to the panel for their diligence in hearing and passing judgment on this important case.”
Southwell
12.50 Ustath 1.20 Funky Town Pinkie 1.50 Dashing To You 2.20 Villalobos 2.50 Golden Speech 3.20 Velma 3.50 Ray Vonn 4.23 Mintnthat (nap)
Newcastle
3.45 First Snowfall 4.15 Whatwouldyouknow (nb) 4.45 Champagny 5.15 Glorious Angel 5.45 Motawaazy 6.15 Man Of Eden 6.45 King Of Speed
McBride was the only individual among those charged by the BHA to engage with the independent disciplinary panel’s hearing into the case. It is unclear as yet whether the terms of his disqualification will prevent him entering his father’s yard.
