Top line British jockey, Robert Winston, was on Friday afternoon suspended for one year after being found guilty of various breaches of the Rules of Racing following a Horseracing Regulatory Authority (HRM) disciplinary hearing.

Fellow jockeys Robbie Fitzpatrick and Luke Fletcher were both hit with a three-year disqualification, while Fran Ferris was disqualified for two years.

According to an article on the Sporting Life website, Winston's punishment means although he cannot ride for a year, he is still able to work in racing.

However, Fitzpatrick, Fletcher and Ferris are barred from entering licensed premises such as stables and racecourses during their period of disqualification.

Unlicensed individual Ian Nicholl was warned off indefinitely and is unable to reapply for 10 years.

Four other unlicensed individuals have also been warned off, with Paul Glendenning handed a three-year punishment, while Kim Evans, Joanne Roberts and Tegan Wilde will be unable to enter licensed horseracing premises for two years.

A statement issued to PA Sport on behalf of Winston by Christopher Stewart-Moore of Ralph Davis Solicitors read:

"Robert Winston is shocked and disappointed by the HRA disciplinary panel's finding that he was in breach of Rule 243 in giving information for reward.

Ride to lose

"This disappointment is tempered to some degree by the panel finding that they accepted that it was no part of the information he gave that he would ride to lose if necessary, and their further finding that in no instance did he in fact ride to lose.

"The panel's finding against Mr. Winston is based on their 'inference' that Mr. Winston received a reward from Mr. Nicholl for providing him with information.

"No physical evidence of a reward was put to the panel and no such evidence exists.

"Mr. Winston never spoke to Mr. Nicholl and was completely unaware of his existence at the relevant time.

"The level of penalty imposed in the circumstances is extremely harsh," said the spokesman.

The investigation focussed on 37 races between June 16, 2003 and February 29, 2004, together with the associated betting activities.

The four jockeys were accused of providing information for reward, or passing information for reward that would subsequently be used for corrupt gain that otherwise was not in the public domain.

The charges related to 21 horses ridden by Winston, 11 ridden by Fletcher, four by Ferris and two by Fitzpatrick.

Winston, Ferris and Fletcher were also alleged to have misled HRA security department investigators and provided them with inaccurate information.

Champion apprentice in 1999, Winston road 136 winners last year