NEW DELHI: An Indian horse racing club has launched an investigation into two British jockeys accused of race-fixing following the emergence of a recorded conversation apparently incriminating them.
Jockeys Martin Dwyer and Paul Mulrennan were allegedly recorded while conspiring to fix a race in 2010 at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi race course, a local newspaper has reported. According to the Mumbai Mirror, the two jockeys can be heard talking about which horse was going to win. A copy of the CD with the alleged conversation was recently delivered to the Royal Western India Turf Club.
The club said in a statement that a forensic laboratory has confirmed that the voice on the tape matches that of Dwyer.
The club also said it was seeking assistance from the British Horseracing Authority as part of its investigation.
“The forensic lab to whom the audio recording was sent has orally confirmed to the club that the voice matches that of Martin Dwyer,” said the statement.
“The club has also directed stipes (stewards) to make inquiries and also seek the assistance of the British Horseracing Authority.
“Should any of the jockeys involved in the inquiry apply for a licence, it will be considered only after the inquiry is complete.”
The newspaper, which claimed to have seen the transcripts of the conversation on the CD, said Dwyer told Mulrennan that he would bet on a horse named Icebreaker being ridden by another jockey. Dwyer himself did not take part in the race, which was won by Icebreaker, while Mulrennan’s horse finished fourth. The pair have so far refused to comment on the allegations.AFP
