The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) hearing into race-fixing charges made against Blues striker Michael Chopra and nine others has concluded with the result set to be announced on Friday 25th January. Chopra, who released a statement saying that he wouldn’t be appearing at the hearing, was charged with serious breaches of the Rules of Racing in October.
A BHA statement reads: "The Disciplinary Panel hearing regarding former licensed jockey Andrew Heffernan and eight unlicensed individuals (Rocky Michael Chopra, James Coppinger, Paul Garner, Kelly Inglis, Yogesh Joshee, Douglas Shelley, Pravin Shingadia and Mark Wilson) has now concluded.
"The hearing began on Monday 14th January 2013 at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) head office at 75 High Holborn, London. 10 days had been set aside for the hearing, but in the end it concluded in just four days.
"The BHA will make no comment regarding the hearing until the result and reasons are published, and will provide no indication as to which of the defendants did or did not attend the hearing.
"The result of the hearing is expected to be published, with full written reasons, on Friday 25th January. Any necessary penalty hearings will also be heard on this date, with penalties to be published later that afternoon. Reasons for penalties will then follow in due course.”
If found guilty Chopra will face a ban of three years or more from any involvement in racing, including attending meetings, something he has said he would welcome as he continues to battle his gambling addiction.
The police are understood to be aware of the allegations but it is not yet known if they will become involved.