HRI investigates bookie non-payment Horse Racing Ireland today confirmed an investigation is underway into the non-payment of winning bets by one on-course bookmaker at Listowel’s meeting last Saturday and a review of procedures may also take place. On-course bookmaker Ger ‘Dixie’ Dalton, who didn’t price-up the final race having reportedly run out of money, left unpaid and disgruntled punters to form a lengthy queue outside the HRI Levy Office (responsible for such matters). The tens of unfortunate punters are thought to be owed thousands of euros by the bookmaker. Speaking on Tuesday, HRI’s Betting Division Manager Paul Finegan stated “I can confirm that Ger Dalton is under investigation regarding unpaid bets at Listowel on September 18.” “We have to go through due-process before commenting further and all HRI’s Betting Division can do is sanction that the Bookmakers’ Committee either suspend or revoke a bookmaker’s license.” He added “HRI currently hold a small deposit (€3,200) which covers Levy and pitch fees but there is nothing to cover punters’ losses – it is difficult to put a figure on how much does a bookmaker need to have to cover such an eventuality but that situation will now come under review. “This is the first instance of this in at least 20 years and the next step will be to get in touch with the bookmaker and try to get to the bottom of this and see if we can secure payment for punters. However, it is still up in the air whether or not punters will get paid.” At one point in his final betting race on Saturday, Dalton went 13/8, when 11/8 was generally best price in the ring, about eventual winner Laughing Boy.
