Winston can continue to ride while the case goes on
Leading Flat jockey Robert Winston attended a hearing in London on Wednesday where he and eight other people face race-fixing charges.
Winston, rated a possible future champion jockey, is at the centre of a Horseracing Regulatory Authority case.

He and colleague Robbie Fitzpatrick, plus former licensed jockeys Luke Fletcher and Fran Ferris, are charged with breaching the Rules of Racing.

Ex-bookmaker Ian Nicholl and four other unlicensed people are also charged.

The allegations relate to 37 races between June 2003 and February 2004.

The riders have been charged with "the passing of information for reward and aiding the commission of a corrupt practice".

It is alleged information was used to 'lay', or back against, horses on internet betting exchanges.

Winston, a champion Flat jockey contender in 2005 before injury curtailed his season, is the best-known of those charged.

He returned to action after breaking his jaw in a fall and later having treatment at an addiction clinic in Ireland after admitting to a drink problem.

The hearing is scheduled to last a total of 10 working days with the verdicts delivered afterwards by a three-strong panel.

If anyone is found guilty, it is thought bans ranging from 18 months to five years could potentially be imposed.

The HRA's case is being presented by Mark Warby QC and Jacob Dean. Fitzpatrick, Fletcher and Winston are represented by Andrew Monson, while Ferris is represented by Gerard Hillman.

None of the unlicensed individuals are represented, or thought to be defending the charges.