As expected, the BBC's much-publicised Panorama expose on corruption in British racing contained Hong Kong elements, with attention focused on Kieren Fallon's alleged links with a Chinese gangster while riding in the SAR and John Egan's refusal to return this summer to answer bail and possible charges in the ongoing race-fixing inquiry.
The programme quoted from a confidential Hong Kong Jockey Club report on Fallon and alleged that the British champion jockey had been told in July 2000 not to re-apply for a Hong Kong licence. Fallon, who has started a libel claim against the News of the World after the newspaper published extracts from that report, declined to be interviewed on Panorama. And Christopher Foster, executive director of the British Jockey Club, said the legal proceedings meant he was 'unable to engage in this particular topic'.
Pressed on the Egan case and the Jockey Club's reasoning in allowing him to continue riding in Britain, Foster said: 'Our judgment is that this is not a matter of such seriousness that the integrity of racing in this country is threatened. That is why he continues to ride in this country.'
Reporter Andy Davies then asked: 'He's refusing to go back to answer charges of corruption. Do you think that's OK?'
Foster replied: 'I'm not taking a view on that. I'm taking a view on whether his activity is a threat to the integrity of racing in this country. I don't believe it to be.'
Roger Buffham, the British Jockey Club's former head of security and the 'whistleblower' behind the programme, disagreed. Asked whether Fallon should be riding in Britain, he said: 'On the strength of the Hong Kong report, I would say not.'
