TWO of the three Irish jockeys arrested over the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman in Swindon have denied any wrongdoing.
The incident is alleged to have happened at a residential address in Chiseldon, Swindon on November 3.
Jockeys Brendan Powell Jnr and Richard Condon were arrested on November 4, while the third jockey - who has yet to be formally named - was arrested on November 5.
All three were bailed to return on a date in late December.
Representing Mr Powell and Mr Condon, Paul Morris from BCL Solicitors says both clients "deny any wrongdoing."
"My clients, Brendan Powell and Richard Condon, are subject to a police investigation with which they are co-operating fully.
"Both categorically deny any allegation of criminal wrongdoing and are confident that, in due course, their innocence will become clear to everyone.
"It is not appropriate, at this stage, to make any further comment."
The third jockey has not made any statement in relation to the allegations.
A statement from Wiltshire Police said detectives are investigating.
"Detectives from Wiltshire Police are investigating an allegation of rape of a 18-year-old woman that occurred on November 3 at a residential address in Chiseldon, Swindon.
"Two men aged 21, 20 were arrested on November 4 and a third man, aged 20, was arrested on Saturday, November 5. All were taken to a local police station.
"They have since been bailed to return on a date in late December.
"Enquiries continue,” a police spokesman added.
The British Horseracing Authority has also released a statement in relation to the allegations.
"Today’s reports concerning the arrest and subsequent release on bail of three BHA-licensed jockeys, following allegations of rape, raise a very serious issue.
"The BHA is considering urgently what action is warranted in the interests of all parties concerned and in the context of the wider sport.
"In the meantime, and at least until we have obtained further details and been able to consider them, the jockeys concerned can continue to ride under our rules."
Paul Strutters, the Chief Executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, has meanwhile asked members to refrain from discussing the investigation on social media.
“We are aware of today’s reports that a complaint of a very serious nature has been made to Wiltshire Constabulary regarding three PJA members and await the outcome of that investigation.
“The BHA has confirmed that the jockeys are able to ride for the time being but are considering what action may be warranted, and we will liaise with them in that regard.
“Finally, we would also take this opportunity to remind all our members to avoid speculation, comment or discussion of these allegations on social media and to respect the formal process that has commenced.”
