The career of Central Districts jockey David Walker is in jeopardy as he faces a charge of betting on a rival horse and restraining his own mount at a meeting in Palmerston North.
The 38-year-old was riding "Watch Your Man" when it finished more than two-and-a-half lengths behind "St Ransom" at the race at the Awapuni course on 16 August.
David Walker riding Khemosabi to win the Premier Open Race 4 at Riccarton Park, Christchurch in 2013. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Race Integrity Unit (RIU) claims the jockey deliberately rode his horse to ensure his bets on the other runner were successful.
Rules allow jockeys to bet on races they are involved in but only on the horse they are riding and Walker faces a lengthy ban, even perhaps for life, if found guilty.
RIU general manager Mike Godber has recommended to New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing that Walker's racing licence be suspended pending the investigation.
"We see that the allegations before Mr Walker are serious and threaten the very fabric of New Zealand thoroughbred racing," he said.
The TAB said it will not be doing away with one of its popular forms of betting despite the allegations.
It said it has no plans to remove the Head-to-Head bet option - where people gamble on the first home of two chosen horses in a particular race - over the alleged actions of one person.
Thoroughbred Racing chief executive, Grey Purcell, says the industry spends $10.2 million a year on maintaining integrity in the sport.
That goes towards drug testing, having experienced panel of race officials and a judicial controlling body.
However, Mr Purcell says New Zealand should be brought into line with other nations in banning jockeys from betting on their own horses and he plans to take a proposal to Parliament in a few weeks.
