Jump jockey in corruption probe

Up to 57 races, which took place between October 2009 and April 2012, are now at the centre of a British Horseracing Authority inquiry and the pair could be banned from the sport for up to 10 years if convicted of malpractice.

It is alleged that McGrath, the 2003 Scottish National-winning rider, and Walton conspired with five others – Mark Aspey, Carl Flint, Kristian Robson, David Stevens and David Greenwood – to use inside information about the likely performance of horses for betting purposes.

It is also alleged McGrath was prepared, if necessary, to omit to ride the horse on its merits so as to prevent it from winning or being placed in the race.

The jockey and trainer’s co-accused are alleged to have breached the rules of racing between January 1, 2011, and May 13, 2011, by placing lay bets on Rumble Of Thunder to lose when they knew they were prohibited from doing so under the rules of racing.

Six of the races at the centre of the inquiry involve the gelding Rumble Of Thunder who has won eight out 57 career starts.

The first race under suspicion features Lazy Darren who was the last of seven runners when ridden by McGrath in a handicap hurdle at Wetherby in October 2009. He is owned by former Leeds United footballer Jonathan Woodgate and his family.

The highest profile horse under scrutiny is Finger Onthe Pulse. The 2008 Cheltenham Festival winner was seventh of the eight runners who contested the prestigious Old Road Chase at Aintree in October 2009, a race won by the popular grey Monet’s Garden.

McGrath, who has 568 career victories to his name, and is married to Walton’s daughter Nicky. He stepped down yesterday as a board member of the Professional Jockeys Association and his solicitor Andrew Chalk said: “Richie is shocked and bitterly disappointed to be facing charges, but vigorously maintains his innocence and intends to fight to clear his name.”

Walton retired from training during the 2012-13 season and her yard is now leased by Phil Kirby who now trains Rumble Of Thunder.

Her solicitor Rory Mac Niece said: “The BHA has publicised the fact of charges without first providing Kate with sight of any of the evidence on which it is based.

“There’s no good reason for that and puts Kate at a significant disadvantage. Kate was interviewed two years ago and there is no good reason why the BHA should have taken the step of announcing charges whilst making the decision not to allow Kate sight of the evidence.”

The hearing is set to take place on November 11.