In the recent case concerning Robert Tierney a farrier, and his son Richard Tierney an amateur jockey, one of the biggest racing scams was proved.  In this case a horse was put into two races to impersonate another horse, in breach of Regulation 161(v) of the Jockey Club Regulations for Point-to-Point Steeple Chases.  The tribunal panel stated: "Running a ringer strikes at the very heart of the integrity of the sport".  The tribunal disqualified Robert Tierney from participating in the sport for 6 years.  As Richard Tierney was only 17 years old at the time of the scam and had acted under the influence of his father, the tribunal disqualified him for 2 years.

A full report of this case can be found in Volume 13, Issue 2 of ‘Horse Law'.

Written by Nathalie Bull, Barrister at New Walk Chambers, specialising in Equine Law.