Kiwi jockey disgraced in betting scandal that shocks industry

Australian Gambling – In a narrative that has shocked the typically clean natured New Zealand racing scene, jockey David Walker has had his riding licence suspended after an investigation was embarked on certainly one of his rides at Awapuni earlier this year.

The Central Districts jockey will face charges of pulling up a horse so he could collect from a head-to-head bet he ‘allegedly’ put on a rival horse. The senior rider was aboard Watch Your Man who sat near the rear of the sector but video shows he never gave his mount a possibility and when he found clear running room, he simply sat at the horse and didn’t move a muscle.

When stewards questioned Walker in regards to the ride he claimed that he was denied any clear running room but that he also had cramp in his hands – something he told stewards before the inquiry was launched. Further investigations by the Racing Integrity Unit concluded that Walker did place a bet, to which he has now admitted to, but in New Zealand it's legal to put a gamble on a horse you're riding, however, placing a big gamble against a rival isn't permitted and Walker faces serious charges.

Reports state that the bet was in far more than $500 which seems rather pointless, but he isn’t the primary jockey to illegally wager on a race. Remarkably, Walker was seen via CCTV footage to be collecting his winnings after the race. The rival horse, St Ransom, closed at $1.80 within the head-to-head market however the price was higher before the huge bet was placed – leaving Walker to likely double his money.

FULL STORY

Similar Stories from This Week in Gambling:

Read More... [Source: This Week in Gambling » Gambling Headlines]