Horse-racing: Club in India to probe two British jockeys for alleged race-fixing

NEW DELHI (AFP) - An Indian horse-racing club has launched an investigation into two British jockeys accused of race-fixing following the emergence of a recorded conversation apparently incriminating them.

Jockeys Martin Dwyer and Paul Mulrennan were allegedly recorded while conspiring to fix a race in 2010 at Mumbai's Mahalaxmi race course, a local newspaper has reported.

According to the Mumbai Mirror, the two jockeys can be heard talking about which horse was going to win. A copy of the CD with the alleged conversation was recently delivered to the Royal Western India Turf Club.

The club said a forensic laboratory has confirmed that the voice on the tape matches that of Dwyer.

It added that it was seeking assistance from the British Horseracing Authority as part of its investigation. "Should any of the jockeys involved in the inquiry apply for a licence, it will be considered only after the inquiry is complete."

The newspaper, which claimed to have seen the transcripts of the conversation on the CD, said Dwyer told Mulrennan that he would bet on a horse named Icebreaker being ridden by another jockey.

Dwyer himself did not take part in the race, which was won by Icebreaker, while Mulrennan's horse finished fourth.

The pair have so far refused to comment on the allegations.

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