JOCKEYS Paul Doe, Greg Fairley, Kirsty Milczarek, Jimmy Quinn and former rider Paul Fitzsimons, who is now a trainer, have been charged by the BHA with serious breaches of the rules of racing. The charges focus on horses being laid to lose on betting exchanges in ten races that took places between January 17, 2009 and August 15, 2009. Licensed owners Maurice Sines and James Crickmore have also been charged, as have Peter Gold, Nick Gold, Shaun Harris, David Kendrick, Darren May and Liam Vasey. RELATED LINKS BHA press release All 13 individuals have been charged with a breach of rule 201(v) in that it is alleged they conspired to commit a corrupt or fraudulent practice. Each of the jockeys have additionally been charged with a breach of rule 243 in that it is alleged they communicated directly or indirectly to one or more betting exchange account holders, for material reward, gift, favour or benefit in kind. The riders are also charged with a breach or breaches of rule 157 in that it is alleged they intentionally failed to ensure that their horse was run on its merits. If found guilty they could be disqualified for 25 years. In a statement released on Friday, the BHA's acting chief executive Chris Brand said: "The charges issued by the Authority today are the result of a lengthy, detailed and complex investigation, following suspicious betting activity on more than one betting exchange and with traditional bookmakers. "It is of course of utmost importance that those charged are given a fair hearing and the opportunity to defend themselves and we will therefore make no further comment on the details of this case at this stage." Brand added: "Racegoers and punters should be reassured that the overwhelming majority of races are free of suspicion and we are committed to deterring and detecting wrongdoing and taking action when we believe there is evidence of it." A statement from the Professional Jockeys' Association read: "The PJA said that they were aware of the on-going BHA's investigations relating to these jockeys, but were only informed recently that charges were imminent. The PJA has now recommended that the jockeys in question seek legal representation. The PJA stressed that on any issues concerning integrity, which is vital to the sport of horse racing, it will continue to support the BHA in carrying out that function. "Until this case is concluded, the PJA, as the trade body for jockeys, will continue to offer advice and support to the jockeys should they seek it." BHA Statement https://www.britishhorseracing.pres...IOUS-BREACHES-OF-THE-RULES-OF-RACING-1dd.aspx