A race-fixing scandal at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, La., has led to the arrest of three jockeys. The alleged plan was devised to get a favorite beaten.
The Louisiana State Police reported Thursday on its website that state troopers arrested Joseph Patin Jr., 46; Billy Patin, 51; and LeSean Conyers, 24, on charges of "willful pulling of the reins and cheating and swindling."
The investigation stemmed from a complaint received from the Louisiana Racing Commission that accused the three jockeys of "questionable riding tactics that affected the outcome of the race," Louisiana State Police Trooper Brooks David said in a news release.
"Through interviews and evidence obtained from track officials, troopers determined the jockeys willfully schemed to hold back a horse picked as a favorite to win while utilizing an agent to place unusual bets in an attempt to maximize winnings," David said.
Additionally, both Patins were arrested on warrants for the "unnatural stimulation of horses (possession of electronic shocking device)." Evidence in two separate races on July 4 "revealed that the jockeys possessed hand held shocking devices," the release said.
The Associated Press reported that the three jockeys were released on bond from St. Landry Parish jail.
Joseph Patin ranks fifth in the Evangeline riding standings with 33 victories. Billy Patin ranks seventh with 23. Conyers has won two races.
Billy Patin was suspended in 1999 for five years after the Arkansas stewards concluded he carried an electrical device while winning the Arkansas Derby on Valhol.
"Horse racing in Louisiana has been a prominent aspect of the state's sports history," Chairman Bob Wright of the Louisiana Racing Commission said in a statement included in the release. "Any deviations from honest and truly competitive horse racing cannot be condoned and the commission remains vigilant in its efforts to assure the highest standards possible."
