Former jockey Danny Brock has been banned for 15 years by a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) independent disciplinary panel. Brock was found to have breached the rules regarding corruption and fraud and he was subject to a BHA disciplinary hearing in December.
Five other individuals–Sean McBride, assistant trainer to his father Philip 'Charlie' McBride, Luke Olley, Eugene Maloney, Andrew Perring and Luke Howells–were collectively found to have profited from Brock's corruption and were also tried at the December disciplinary hearing.
The rules breaches were in regard to a trio of races on the all-weather between December 2018 and March 2019. Six other races were reviewed to contrast Brock's riding style when riding to win and when not trying. A pattern was found between the outcome of the races in question and the betting habits of the other individuals involved in the hearing.
Five of the six involved in the charges did not cooperate with the panel, with Maloney, Perring and Howells excluded since 2020 without appeal for 15 years for failing to cooperate with proceedings. None of Olley's alleged breaches could be proven, but he too has been subject to an exclusion since 2020 for failing to comply with the BHA's investigation. Only McBride chose to cooperate with the hearing and give evidence before the panel, and he was banned for seven years. Brock, now a greyhound trainer, did not attend the hearing.
The horses ridden by Brock in the three races in question have been disqualified and his own disqualification will take effect immediately.
The BHA released a statement which read, “This welcome outcome sends a powerful message that conduct of this nature will never be tolerated in British racing.
“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 judgement on this important case.”
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