This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/7061043.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Trainer praises 'race-fix' jockey Trainer praises 'race-fix' jockey
(10 minutes later)
A leading racehorse trainer described a jockey accused of being part of a £2m race-fixing syndicate as "talented".A leading racehorse trainer described a jockey accused of being part of a £2m race-fixing syndicate as "talented".
Kevin Ryan, based in Thirsk, North Yorkshire told the Old Bailey Fergal Lynch, 29, "was a very stylish rider".Kevin Ryan, based in Thirsk, North Yorkshire told the Old Bailey Fergal Lynch, 29, "was a very stylish rider".
Mr Lynch is accused of letting one of Mr Ryan's horses, CD Europe, lose in order to allow the syndicate headed by Miles Rodgers to win money.Mr Lynch is accused of letting one of Mr Ryan's horses, CD Europe, lose in order to allow the syndicate headed by Miles Rodgers to win money.
Six men, including Mr Lynch and top jockey Kieren Fallon, deny conspiracy to defraud betting exchange Betfair.Six men, including Mr Lynch and top jockey Kieren Fallon, deny conspiracy to defraud betting exchange Betfair.
'Ridden tenderly''Ridden tenderly'
Mr Ryan praised Mr Lynch despite the fact that his horse, CD Europe, which was ridden by Mr Lynch, came eighth in a field of 10 at a race at Southwell in February 2003.Mr Ryan praised Mr Lynch despite the fact that his horse, CD Europe, which was ridden by Mr Lynch, came eighth in a field of 10 at a race at Southwell in February 2003.
The prosecution allege the result made the syndicate £1,973.The prosecution allege the result made the syndicate £1,973.
The court heard Mr Lynch, from Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, was given a seven day riding ban after a stewards inquiry ruled the horse had been "ridden tenderly in the early stages".The court heard Mr Lynch, from Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, was given a seven day riding ban after a stewards inquiry ruled the horse had been "ridden tenderly in the early stages".
Mr Ryan told the jury: "I would not have wanted him to pick up the stick and hit him seven or eight times because it would have discouraged the horse more."Mr Ryan told the jury: "I would not have wanted him to pick up the stick and hit him seven or eight times because it would have discouraged the horse more."
Earlier the jury heard Mr Ryan agree with Mr Lynch's defence counsel George Carter-Stephenson, QC, that Lynch would "bide his time" and then "come on strong" in the last couple of furlongs.
He is one of the best in the business Paul HowlingHe is one of the best in the business Paul Howling
The court also heard trainer Paul Howling praise Mr Fallon, 42, as "one of the best in the business".The court also heard trainer Paul Howling praise Mr Fallon, 42, as "one of the best in the business".
He said they always tried to book Mr Fallon whenever possible.He said they always tried to book Mr Fallon whenever possible.
Mr Howling told the jury he had no complaints about the way Mr Fallon, formerly of Newmarket, Cambridgeshire, but now of Tipperary, Ireland, rode Dial Square at Yarmouth in August 2004.Mr Howling told the jury he had no complaints about the way Mr Fallon, formerly of Newmarket, Cambridgeshire, but now of Tipperary, Ireland, rode Dial Square at Yarmouth in August 2004.
The horse came 17th of 20 and was beaten by 14 lengths, the court heard.The horse came 17th of 20 and was beaten by 14 lengths, the court heard.
Mr Howling told the jury: "It didn't run very well, no. I think the horse just hated the ground and I don't think he handled the inclinations either."Mr Howling told the jury: "It didn't run very well, no. I think the horse just hated the ground and I don't think he handled the inclinations either."
John Kelsey-Fry QC, representing Mr Fallon, suggested the horse only did well on artificial surfaces.John Kelsey-Fry QC, representing Mr Fallon, suggested the horse only did well on artificial surfaces.
Mr Howling agreed: "He never did handle grass."Mr Howling agreed: "He never did handle grass."
The four other defendants, Darren Williams, 29, of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, Shaun Lynch, 38, of Belfast, Miles Rodgers, 38, of Silkstone, South Yorkshire, and Philip Sherkle, 42, of Tamworth, Staffordshire, also plead not guilty.The four other defendants, Darren Williams, 29, of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, Shaun Lynch, 38, of Belfast, Miles Rodgers, 38, of Silkstone, South Yorkshire, and Philip Sherkle, 42, of Tamworth, Staffordshire, also plead not guilty.
Rodgers also denies concealing the proceeds of crime. All the defendants are on bail.Rodgers also denies concealing the proceeds of crime. All the defendants are on bail.
The trial was adjourned.The trial was adjourned.