Danny Brock warned off for 15 years for part in corrupt betting conspiracy

Former jockey Danny Brock has been warned off for 15 years for deliberately stopping horses from running on their merits as part of a corrupt betting conspiracy.

Brock had been found guilty of engaging in corrupt or fraudulent practices by the disciplinary panel on Tuesday having deliberately prevented two horses from running on their merits in races between December 2018 and September 2019 to the benefit of a network of gamblers who had placed bets against them.

Sean McBride, assistant to his father, Newmarket trainer Charlie McBride, was also disqualified for seven years by the panel on Thursday.

Brock said on Thursday that he was considering an appeal against the disqualification as "I'm being made out to be someone I'm not", while Charlie McBride said he and his son would wait to read the panel's written reasons before making any statements.

The events had been described as an "extraordinary" conspiracy involving Brock's longstanding friend McBride, along with Eugene Maloney, Andrew Perring and Luke Howells.

The ex-rider, who now works as a greyhound trainer, was found to have prevented Mochalov from obtaining the best possible placing when lay bets were placed on the horse and also ensured Samovar was unsuccessful in a match race at Southwell.

Those involved in the betting conspiracy had heavily backed Samovar's only opponent at Southwell, Tricky Dicky, with McBride depositing £7,200 into his betting account on the morning of the race and placing the entire amount on him, making it his largest-ever bet.

The panel had been informed previously that the BHA did not consider McBride to have been involved in the Mochalov races.

Significant suspension

Brock's disqualification is nearly double the entry point of eight years for breaching the rules on corrupt and fraudulent practice, with the BHA's legal counsel Louis Weston having pressed for a significant suspension.

"What position does this man serve in the sport? He's corrupt, he shouldn't be in it," Weston said.

In a statement, the BHA said the penalties handed out would act as a deterrent and provide reassurance about the integrity of British racing.

"This welcome outcome sends a powerful message that conduct of this nature will never be tolerated in British racing," the statement said.

"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."

Brock has not ridden since 2021 and has since moved on to train 40 greyhounds. He said on Thursday he had not spoken to the Greyhound Board of Great Britain since the judgement was made.

"I'm being made out to be someone I'm not and they've painted a picture of me that's not me," Brock said. "I was doing my best at all times and what people decide to do with their money cannot all be on me.

"I feel like I've moved on from horseracing but this feels like they are still trying to ruin my livelihood as I don't know what's going to happen to me now. I think that it's ludicrous to give me what they have done on the evidence that they have."

Maloney, Perring and Howells were all banned from racing in 2020 for refusing to cooperate with the BHA's inquiry. The panel stated any applications for them to return to racing should not be considered for at least 15 years.

Read these next:

Danny Brock guilty of 'extraordinary' conspiracy but issues blanket denial

'Big gambler' Sean McBride denies involvement in Danny Brock corruption case

Fearful Brock absent as case opens over 'extraordinary' conspiracy

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