Jockeys Barred for Alleged Race-Fixing Scam
Two jockeys have been barred from racing while investigators probe charges of an alleged race-fixing scam at the Three-County Fair.
Both men deny involvement.
“It’s a matter of losing our reputation,” said one, Abad Cabassa.
Cabassa spoke Thursday as he and Julian Vazquez, the leading rider through the first five days of the nine-day meet in Northampton, were waiting to be interviewed by state racing officials. They were among seven jockeys kept from riding Wednesday and Thursday.
Vazquez said he has a good rapport with all the trainers and would never throw a race.
A jockey identified as Jerry Halimi told the Union-News in Springfield on Wednesday that he had informed the racing commission of alleged irregularities. He maintained that at least one race had been fixed.
Halimi declined to elaborate after racing commission officials asked him not to discuss the issue further with reporters.
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