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.