‘I chose the wrong path' – Former jockey banned for 12 years in ‘largest race-fixing ring ever' set for shock return
Greg Fairley was set for superstardom when crowned champion apprentice in 2007, beating William Buick to the title.
1
Former champion apprentice jockey Greg Fairley was banned for 12 years for his role in British racing's biggest ever fixing scandal - but is now all set to return to the track
Credit: PA:Press Association
Fairley, who is from Scotland, would go onto Group 1 glory and massive prize money earnings of £2.8million on the track over a few short years, banging in 381 winners in Britain alone.
But his career looked done and dusted in 2011 when he was hit with a colossal ban for two of the most serious rules breaches.
He was found guilty of riding a horse to lose - 'failing to obtain the best possible placing' - and passing on inside information for reward.
A total of 11 people were sanctioned by the BHA for what at the time was called the 'largest race-fixing ring ever exposed in British racing history'.
Fairley and fellow jockey Paul Doe were warned off for a dozen years, while two owners were banned for 14 for betting on their horses to lose, 'corrupting' jockeys in the process.
Fairley announced he had quit racing before the BHA's findings were published and, in his own words, 'ran away' back home to run a tree surgery business.
His ban ran out in December 2013 and he unsuccessfully reapplied for his riding licence last year.
But he was given the thumbs up at another hearing last month - although the BHA will attach a number of conditions to his licence.
Most read in Horse Racing
All in all, the granting of the licence paves the way for Fairley, 37, to return to racing in the very near future.
In a statement, he addressed his past ban and said he is firmly focused on returning to the winner's enclosure again.
Fairley wrote: "Fifteen years ago I chose a path that was wrong and paid a justifiably significant price for my poor decisions.
"I'm incredibly grateful to the licencing committee of the BHA for giving me a second chance.
"I would also like to thank Sandy Thomson, Iain Jardine and Charlie and Mark Johnston who have all been very supportive.
"There are still some elements of the licencing procedure that I need to complete before my licence is issued but I'm very excited to be on the verge of race-riding again."
FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org
.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare –
Gamble Aware –
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
How Liverpool could line up with Alexander Isak AND Hugo Ekitike as Arne Slot considers transfer splurge
ARNE SLOT could have a multitude of options in how he lines up his Liverpool side next season. The Reds manager has overseen the arrivals of stars such as 9 Alexander Isak is a target for Liverpool Credit: Getty 9 The club have already signed Hugo Ekitike Credit: Reuters 9 Marc Guehi could be another target for Liverpool this summer Credit: Getty 9 Arne Slot will have plenty of options next season Credit: Getty The Swede is exploring his options ahead of a potential exit from St James' Park this summer. The striker was left at home by the Magpies as they jetted off on their Far East pre-season tour. The club may not be done there as there is a continued interest in READ MORE ON ALEXANDER ISAK The English defender would be a replacement for Ibrahim Konate - who appears to be on his way out of Anfield at the end of his contract. Should Liverpool complete the mega-money deals, then Slot will have a headache trying to fit in all his new pieces. The Dutchman could stick with the club's proven 4-3-3 formation and add the new signings. Isak would slot into the striker position in place of Darwin Nunez, while Ekitike could support him from the left wing. Most read in Football SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN This would soften the blow of losing Diaz is a target of Darwin Nunez performs tragic Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota's celebration after scoring in first game since his death 9 Slot will also have to shake up the defence, having seen Liverpool have given the manager both Kerkez and Frimpong to take up the mantle of the iconic duo. The defence could further change if Guehi arrives at Anfield. He could be played as the second centre-back next to Virgil van Dijk. 9 9 And of course, there is no forgetting the British record transfer arrival of Wirtz. The German midfielder was signed for He will likely be played in the No.10 role behind the front three and linking up with the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Slot could also get inventive and change the formation to feature both Isak and Ekitike as a strike partnership. If this were done in a 3-5-2 formation, it would provide more attacking freedom to both Kerkez and Frimpong in the wing-back roles. It would also give an opportunity to reinvent Robertson, who could fill in on the left side of the back three. This formation could also provide star man Mo Salah with an opportunity to take a rest. 9 9
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Brit teen, 16, ‘raped' while swimming at popular beach on Greek holiday island as tourist, 15, arrested
A BRITISH teenager has allegedly been raped in the sea off a popular Greek holiday island. The 16-year-old girl reported the alleged assault on Monday during a trip with her family. Advertisement 2 A British teen has been allegedly raped in the sea off a beach in the island of Rhodes Credit: Alamy 2 The 16-year-old was on a family holiday in Ialysos Credit: Getty The incident is said to have happened in broad daylight at Rhodes' Ialysos beach - in front of a hotel packed with guests. According to Greek outlet She claimed she had been sexually assaulted just 20 minutes earlier while swimming with a 15-year-old Belgian boy in the sea. The pair had reportedly formed a friendly relationship during their stay at the same hotel. Advertisement Read more world news But the girl told officers the boy allegedly assaulted her in the water twice without her consent. The girl's statement - given in the presence of a psychologist as required under Greek law - was described as "clear," with the minor insisting the acts were carried out against her will. The 15-year-old suspect, when questioned, did not deny the contact but claimed it had been consensual, according to Dimokratiki. He alleged the girl did not object during the alleged incident. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Latest Exclusive But cops took swift action with the boy arrested at 10pm that same evening, and a rape case was filed against him. He was brought before the Public Prosecutor, who referred the case to an investigating officer for further legal proceedings. Inside Ibiza 'death hotel' on lockdown after 2 Brits die in a month… as rooftop guards watch tourists & parties banned Both the British and Belgian consular authorities have been informed, Dimokratiki reports. The Sun has contacted the UK Foreign Office for more information. Advertisement It comes after another The 18-year-old woman reportedly filed a complaint in the early hours of Sunday after a night out at a shopping mall popular with young partygoers. A 19-year-old man was since arrested in connection with the incident. According to local reports, she had been seen with the man prior to the alleged attack. Advertisement Greek authorities launched an immediate investigation, which led to the arrest of the Italian national.
The 42
3 hours ago
- The 42
More misery for Ineos as Rodriguez quits Tour with broken pelvis
INEOS' TOP-RANKED rider Carlos Rodriguez pulled out of the Tour de France on Thursday after suffering a broken pelvis on Stage 17′s late mass pile-up. In 10th position going into the rainy flat stage the Spanish climb specialist became entangled in a spectacular pile-up of flying bikes and bodies on the home straight at Valence on Wednesday. Rodriguez was one place behind Ireland's Ben Healy in the general classification. Advertisement 'Carlos is in good spirits and remains under the close supervision of our medical team. He will now return home to focus on recovery,' Ineos said. 💥 El enganchón en el que se han visto implicados Carlos Rodríguez y Julian Alaphilippe.@TDF2025 — (@Eurosport_ES) July 23, 2025 Rodriguez, 24, would have been an outside contender for a stage win in the Alps over the next two days of daunting climbing to Col de La Loze, and La Plagne. Ineos lost former time trial world champion Filippo Ganna to concussion on stage 1 at Lille. The team did however score a prestige stage win when Dutch rider Thymen Arensman climbed to a solo triumph on the Tourmalet mountain in the Pyrenees on Saturday. The once-mighty British team, formerly known as Team SKY, won the Tour de France seven times between 2012-2019, but have been in a relative lull in recent years. – © AFP 2025
