Gambler Denies Paying Jockeys For Tips

Professional gambler Miles Rodgers denied he had ever given jockeys money in return for throwing races or for tips.

Rodgers said: 'They make a lot of money these jockeys ? they don't need my money.'

The comment came during a police interview read to the race-fixing trial at the Old Bailey.

Rodgers denies being involved in a plot with jockeys Kieren Fallon, Darren Williams and Fergal Lynch to allow horses to lose in 27 races so he could win on bets.

The businessman said he used Betfair accounts belonging to friends and family to put money on horses to lose.

Asked by police if he had any favourite jockeys or trainers, he said: 'I do not have a favourite.

'Unfortunately, I am extremely mercenary. I support the Bank of England, as it were.'

He said he used someone else's account because he was superstitious and hoped it would change a run of bad luck.

Rodgers, who was being interviewed following his arrest in September 2004, was asked if he had a relationship with Fallon.

He told a detective: 'I don't know him at all. I know him as well as I know you. I did not have any relationship with him at all. I really don't know the man.'

Asked if he had any financial dealings with him, Rodgers replied: 'No.'

He said he spoke occasionally on the phone to Williams but did not consider him a friend.

Rodgers said: 'He's a nice lad but he's a bit boring.'

He said he exchanged calls with Fergal Lynch about once a week, but there were no financial dealings.

They had found themselves on a plane to Malaga together by coincidence, he said. Lynch had played golf while he spent time with his girlfriend.

He found Lynch's brother Shaun a 'very knowledgeable guy' and would ask him about football matches.

They sometimes put bets on for each other at matches, he said.

Fallon, 42, formerly of Newmarket, Cambridgeshire, but now of Tipperary, Ireland; Lynch, 29, of Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire; and Williams, 29, of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, deny the conspiracy between December 2002 and August 2004.

Lynch's brother, Shaun Lynch, 38, of Belfast; professional gambler Miles Rodgers, 38, of Silkstone, South Yorkshire; and barman Philip Sherkle, 42, of Tamworth, Staffordshire, also plead not guilty.

Rodgers also denies concealing the proceeds of crime. All the defendants are on bail.

(C) PA Sport