March 8, 1999. Copyright, 1999, Graphic News. All rights reserved

RACE DOPING SCANDAL COMES TO A HEAD
By Midge Todhunter

LONDON, March 8, Graphic News:  WHAT began as an internal race-fixing inquiry by the Jockey Club back in February 1997 has since developed into a full-scale investigation with the policeÕs Organised Crime Group expected to bring charges this week.
In October that year the Metropolitan Police were again called in by racingÕs overseers after two dope tests proved positive Ð later confirmed as the fast-acting tranquilliser acetylpromazine (ACP). Since then a series of dramatic dawn raids on the homes of several racing professionals has resulted in 15 arrests, including professional punters, five jockeys, and a former trainer.
Top jockeys Graham Bradley and Ray Cochrane, and former trainer Charlie Brooks were the latest to be hauled in, in January of this year. All three were released on bail without charge.
Of the arrests in total, five Ð including big-name jockeys Jamie Osborne and Leighton Aspell Ð have been ruled out of the inquiry. Nine of the men still on bail are set to appear at LondonÕs Charing Cross police station on March 10, when they will face recommendations put forward by the CPS who have been considering the case report since February 19.
/ENDS

Sources: The Jockey Club