Racing chiefs face storm over Fergal Lynch deal

The British Horseracing Authority is set to face heavy criticism for applying a lenient sentence to Fergal Lynch after striking a plea bargain with the disgraced jockey.

Lynch was handed a £50,000 fine after a race-fixing inquiry following a BHA review of the evidence obtained during an Old Bailey Crown Court case 18 months ago, which was sparked by a BBC Panorama investigation.

The charges relate to runners in 12 races during a five-month period in 2004 and involve the association between former racehorse owner Miles Rodgers and trainer Karl Burke, who could face disqualification. An announcement over their punishment is expected to be made in the next few days.

The BHA confirmed that fellow jockey Darren Williams has received a three-month ban for seemingly lesser offences than Lynch, who faced a string of charges including a breach of the non-trier rule and betting on several races.

Lynch's team of solicitors struck the deal which allows him to continue riding in America, where his career is flourishing.

He agreed to pay the fine and said he would not seek to ride in Britain for the next year.

In exchange, the BHA undertook "not to invite any other jurisdiction to impose any restriction on Lynch's licence" providing he pays the fine.

Lynch admitted stopping Bond City from winning at Ripon on 31 August 2004, an offence that carries an entry point of a 30-month worldwide ban.

But he has surprisingly been allowed to continue riding at Philadelphia Park, primarily for his brother Cathal who trains there. Lynch has ridden 98 winners this year and amassed prize money of $2.4million (£1.47m).

Officials for the Pennsylvania Racing Commission were said to be keen to know the outcome of the BHA's ruling.

Despite having admitted lesser offences, the most serious of which was passing inside information to Rodgers in exchange for the promise of rides, Williams has been banned.