HUGHES IN HOT WATER OVER BETTING ALLEGATION Jockey Club officials are to consider whether to hold an inquiry into Kieren Fallon`s claims that weighing-room colleague Richard Hughes backed himself to win last year`s jockeys` championship.Hughes is currently riding abroad but has flatly denied the claim made in a Sunday newspaper.Fallon, speaking from an Irish centre where he is undergoing treatment for an alcohol problem, was discussing last year`s championship race with a reporter.He was quoted as saying: 'Last season, it was only when Richard Hughes got cocksure and had a bet on himself to win the title that I thought I have to do something here.'The Jockey Club`s PR Director John Maxse believes the riders` current locations make any immediate investigation difficult.'At the moment, all we appear to have is a reference made by Kieren and a straightforward denial from Richard Hughes,' Maxse said.'Furthermore, right now it is quite a difficult time to make any inquiries as Kieren is unavailable in Irelandundergoing treatment and Richard is riding abroad.'We will take into account the context of the situation and will consider whether any further investigation is required.''Stronger evidence and an indication that the sport`s integrity may have been compromised would be required to justify any formal action.' Maxse played down any worries about there being a widespread alcohol problem within the riding ranks.
