Comment from Ipswich Town striker
On the 4th October 2012, the British Horseracing Authority announced that they were charging me and others with breaches of the rules of horseracing. The charges are due to be heard at a two week inquiry, which commences on the 14th January 2013.
My legal advisors, having engaged with the British Horseracing Authority, have been advised that even if I’m found innocent of the charges, the British Horseracing Authority will not refund my legal fees, which I have been advised would be at least £50,000 for being represented at the inquiry.
Furthermore, I understand that the only sanction that the British Horseracing Authority could impose on me is to ban me from racecourses and gambling establishments licensed by it. It is well publicised that I have a gambling addiction problem and I see any such sanctions as being a useful mechanism in helping me to address these problems. As of this year, I’ve voluntarily self-excluded myself from all betting institutions from where I live in Ipswich in order to help me fight this illness.
For the above reasons, I have decided not to present myself to the BHA inquiry.
I will be making no further comment on this matter at this stage.