Kiwi jockey given seven years
Clinton Payne
New Zealand jockey David Walker has been banned for seven years after being found guilty of backing horses to beat mounts he was riding in the same races.
Walker faced Racing Integrity Unit (RIU) charges on Thursday for placing head-to-head bets against his engagements on Watch Your Man and Lil Mer on August 16 and July 31 respectively as well as charges of not riding both horses on their merits.
Walker pleaded guilty to placing the head-to-head bets but not guilty to the charges of not riding out the horses in their respective races.
Stewards dismissed the charge of not riding Lil Mer on her merits but found Walker guilty of not riding Watch Your Man to obtain the best possible placing.
"It doesn't matter whether I get six months or six years, if I have to find something else to do for six months more likely than not I'll enjoy it more than being a jockey, Walker told the NZ Racing Desk after the hearing.
On Friday a seven year penalty was issued by the NZ Judicial Control Authority as well as Walker being ordered to pay costs of $NZ3000.
"Mr Walkers actions threatened the very fabric of New Zealand racing and the strong penalty applied by the JCA panel sends a signal that the industry holds the integrity of racing at the highest priority, RIU General Manager Mike Godber told The Informant.
"The message is clear, serious breaches such as this case will have severe consequences for those involved.
"The Walker case serves to illustrate the effectiveness of the RIUs systems of surveillance of racing and betting and its investigation processes.
"These processes and the penalty imposed will act as a deterrent to anyone contemplating similar actions.
