Top Australian jockey charged in betting scandal

Champion jockey Damien Oliver was charged by racing stewards Tuesday after he admitted putting money on a rival horse that won a race in which he was also riding. The charge relates to a race two years ago at Moonee Valley in Melbourne in which Oliver allegedly breached racing rules by betting Aus$10,000 (US$10,400) via a third party on eventual winner and favourite Miss Octopussy. Oliver's horse, second favourite Europa Point, finished sixth. The Australian jockey was also charged with using a mobile phone in the jockeys' room prior to the race, which is prohibited. Jockeys are banned from betting on any horse, while betting on a horse in the same race is one of the "gravest breaches" of Australian racing laws. Racing Victoria said the two-time Melbourne Cup winner had been suspended after admitting the offences. He faces a ban of up to 12 months which could place his career in jeopardy. "Racing Victoria stewards have issued two charges against licensed jockey Damien Oliver after he made admissions yesterday that he bet on a rival horse," the organisation said on its website. "On the basis of those admissions and the subsequent charges, Mr Oliver has been stood down from riding... pending a hearing before a stewards' panel on Tuesday, 20 November 2012." The scandal blew up on the morning of this year's Melbourne Cup, overshadowing the Aus$6 million ($6.2 million) showpiece event. Oliver was one of the favourites to win but finished 11th.