Evans to face betting-related charges over Wolverhampton race

Trainer David Evans will face a BHA disciplinary hearing on Monday after being charged with conduct prejudicial to horseracing over his betting on one of his own horses.

In a case that has taken nearly three years to reach the inquiry stage, Evans is alleged to have placed a large back bet on Black Dave, who was running in a handicap at Wolverhampton in January 2015.

It is alleged the bet was placed before he announced the withdrawal of another of his runners, Tango Sky, from the same race. Tango Sky was pulled out with a vet's certificate which stated the horse was "not sound".

It is believed to be the first betting-related case to come before a disciplinary panel involving a bet placed on a horse to win. Previous cases have involved lay betting activity.

Concerns over the timing of the withdrawal of Tango Sky were raised on the day of the race, when Evans was interviewed by stewards at Wolverhampton and the matter referred to the BHA for further investigation.

According to the charge, Evans is accused of sharing information with others which led to at least three of the individuals placing significant back bets on Black Dave. Black Dave went off the 6-4 favourite and finished fourth.

The panel will also consider whether the trainer failed to follow the correct procedure by not immediately notifying the Racing Calendar office that Tango Sky was a non-runner.

The penalty for offences involving conduct prejudicial to horseracing range from a fine to disqualification of up to three years.

The BHA has set aside one day for the hearing, which will be chaired by Tim Charlton QC.

Contacted by the Racing Post, Evans said: "No comment."