Teenage rider Rooke: I honestly didn't know I had to report my winners in Jersey

Apprentice George Rooke revealed he was unaware of the requirement to report winners in other racing jurisdictions when giving evidence to an independent disciplinary panel in a hearing on his failure to record three winners in Jersey last year.

Rooke did not inform the Racing Calendar Office at Weatherbys about his victory on July 5 and double on August 11, with riders obliged to report any wins outside of Britain within 48 hours of returning home.

A verdict was not reached on Thursday by the panel, who heard evidence from Rooke before he departed to ride at Sandown's evening meeting.

Rooke, 19, told the hearing: “It was my first time riding abroad and I honestly didn’t know I had to report the winners. I hadn’t been told and don’t recall any conversation with anyone about it, not when getting my licence or with anyone. It never crossed my mind.

“I attended a seminar in February for 7lb claimers and listened specifically for information about declaring winners from abroad, but nothing was said.”

George Rooke: rode three winners in Jersey last yearCredit: Alan Crowhurst / Getty Images

The case revolves around 26 races - including seven winners for Rooke - with the BHA arguing Rooke claimed 7lb rather than what should have been 5lb in seven races, claimed the incorrect weight in 11 contests due to specific race conditions, and participated in eight races in which he was ineligible to ride after not disclosing his Jersey winners.

Rooke’s solicitor Rory Mac Neice stated the case has already had “a profound effect” on the promising apprentice.

Mac Neice said: “Mr Rooke is very young, only just turned 19, and it’s very unusual for an apprentice this young to be participating overseas. Mr Rooke has accepted he’s made an error, but, equally, he’s been to apprentice seminars and had no direction in relation to the requirement. He’s acted in good faith and this has already had a profound effect on him.”

Barrister Roderick Moore, representing trainers Gay Kelleway and Patrick Chamings – who potentially could be affected if their winners are disqualified - disputed the lack of a concrete objection made by the BHA against some of Rooke’s subsequent mounts in Britain between August and February.

Moore said: “The BHA is perfectly entitled to investigate Mr Rooke and put his case before the disciplinary panel, but for disqualification to be on the agenda there needs to have been a timely objection.

“There’s a racing public interest in the finality and certainty of the result of a race. The result of a race does not just affect Mr Rooke but owners, trainer, stable staff, bookmakers and the betting public.”

Gay Kelleway: among seven trainers that potentially could lose a winner if the panel deliver a disqualification verdictCredit: Tattersalls Ireland

Zara Brawley, presenting the case for the BHA, responded by claiming there would be interest from others who could benefit from an amended result.

Brawley said: “There would also be public interest of others, such as trainers and owners who may well have won a race if Mr Rooke had ridden with the correct weight.”

It came to light in the hearing the BHA is considering some form of compensation for affected owners following the conclusion of proceedings, should disqualifications be enforced.

A verdict will be announced by the panel in due course.

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