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McCoy not surprised jockeys are tempted into cheating

Tony McCoy has some strong views on the levels of prize money in racing © PA Photos

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Tony McCoy has hit out at the prize money on offer in horse racing, admitting it is no surprise that jockeys are tempted to consider cheating.

The 16-time champion jockey was speaking in relation to the news that 11 people - including four jockeys - were banned for a total of 66 years following a British Horseracing Authority probe.

Writing in his column in the Daily Telegraph, McCoy claims he has no complaints about the hardships jockey have to endure - such as falls - but feels it is wrong that they are struggling to make a living on account of the poor money on offer to winners.

"I had five rides on an eight-race card at Uttoxeter on Friday," McCoy wrote. "I don't mind riding through snow and sleet and getting mud kicked in my face, but I definitely do mind risking life and limb for almost nothing.

"Not one race met the Horsemen's Group's tariffs on prize money - the most valuable was worth less than £3,000 to the winner - and, despite a couple of winners, I'd have made more from my riding fees than I would have done from prize money, which is a complete disgrace.

"It's no wonder a handful of jockeys get tempted to break the rules. It's harder than ever now to make a living from this sport and if you are struggling for rides and winners you really are in for a bleak time.

"The news that stipendiary stewards had a 'secret' crib sheet on what constitutes 'discretion' in applying the new whip rules doesn't particularly surprise me.

"I'm pretty sure they have similar notes for applying other rules of racing. So far not one rider who has appealed to the BHA against a whip ban has been successful and my advice to all my fellow jockeys is, if you don't want a ban stick to the rules and don't look for any discretion to be used. With prize-money at rock bottom, nobody can afford to get banned. Just ask Aidan Coleman and Dominic Elsworth, who are both sitting out Christmas and lost their share of prize money."

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