Kieren Fallon was among 11 people charged by the City of London Police Monday as the long-running investigation into alleged race-fixing came to a head. Less than 24 hours after winning the Irish Derby (Ire-G1) on Dylan Thomas (Danehill), the six-time British champion jockey was charged with conspiracy to defraud customers of the internet betting exchange Betfair, alongside fellow riders Fergal Lynch and Darren Williams.

Miles Rodgers, who managed the Platinum Racing syndicate, was charged with conspiracy to defraud and an offense under the Proceeds of Crime Act, while Joanne Richardson, believed to be his partner, was also accused of an offence under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Wilmott of the City of London Police later said, "In early 2004, Betfair, an internet betting exchange, brought to the attention of the Jockey Club a number of what they considered to be irregular betting patterns. The security department of the Jockey Club undertook an investigation and came to the conclusion that there was potential criminality that could undermine the integrity of horse racing."

While Fallon made no comment, his Coolmore connections were quick to defend his reputation.

"John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor, for whom Kieren Fallon rides, have been assured that Mr. Fallon is innocent of these charges and look forward to his opportunity to defend himself, and to the early resolution of this issue," a statement from the operation read.

Monday's sensational proceedings were brought about due to the wide-ranging, exhaustive investigation which began in January 2004. Over £1 million has been spent on "Operation Crypton" in total, which centers around allegations of fixing the outcomes of races between December 1, 2002 and September 2, 2004. The arrests totaled 34, with more than 500 interviews undertaken and almost 40,000 pages of evidence gathered.

Trainer Karl Burke and jockey Robert Winston, two of 28 to answer bail, were released without charge, while conditioner Alan Berry was later charged. All those charged are due to appear at the City of London Magistrates' Court on July 17, with the Crown Prosecution Service expecting the case to split into three linked trials starting in spring 2007 at the earliest.

Fallon is due to continue riding in Ireland after receiving the backing of the Irish Turf Club, whose Chief Executive Denis Egan said yesterday, "Basically, the situation in Ireland is that he will be able to continue to ride. The licensing committee will obviously note what has happened, but as far as we are concerned Kieren Fallon is innocent until proven guilty."

However, Fallon and the other riders charged have had their licenses expired by the Horseracing Regulatory Authority (HRA), while Berry will be prevented from entering or declaring a horse. However, the HRA have chosen to arrange a special panel to hear representations from Berry on Tuesday and from the jockeys on Friday.

"The City of London Police have today charged a number of individuals with criminal offences in relation to horseracing," the HRA said in a statement. "Some of those individuals charged are licensed by the Horseracing Regulatory Authority. In accordance with conditions which were attached to their licenses when they were issued, those licenses expire immediately or are limited as follows: Fergal Lynch, jockey -- license expired pending hearing. Darren Williams, jockey --license expired pending hearing. Alan Berry, trainer -- no entries or declarations accepted pending hearing. Kieren Fallon, jockey -- licensed in Ireland --prohibited from riding in Great Britain (under Rule 1AXXV) pending hearing. The panel, chaired by Sir Michael Connell, a former High Court judge and a director of the HRA, will consider each such case individually and is likely to announce its conclusions to those concerned once all the representations have been heard. Those licensed people released from bail today are free to continue their work as normal. As part of our regulatory duty, we are required to liaise with the police regarding any matters they have inquired into to ensure no further regulatory action is necessary."