Fergal Lynch is close to submitting an application to the British Horseracing Authority in a bid to regain his British riding licence.
Lynch, who was acquitted on alleged race-fixing charges in December 2007 when a trial at the Old Bailey collapsed, was given a $US50,000 ($A48,626) fine as part of a plea bargain with the BHA in 2009 after he admitted stopping a horse, supplying inside information about six of his rides, and associating with the disqualified Miles Rodgers.
Lynch moved to America in 2008, but in July 2009 his licence was withdrawn at Philadelphia Park where he had been a leading rider.
The jockey has recently been riding on a Spanish licence in Ireland, where he claimed a double at Dundalk on Friday evening.
His most recent application to be granted a British riding licence was turned down last March but his solicitor, Rory MacNeice, is hopeful this latest attempt will be successful.
“The application will be lodged soon and we are hopeful that the BHA will grant Fergal a licence to ride,” he said.
“He has been riding on the continent for the last year and I think he has ridden winners under four different jurisdictions.
“He currently holds a Spanish riding licence and has had no difficulties riding with that in Germany, France and Ireland.
“The events that led to Fergal not riding in Britain happened many years ago now, when Fergal was a lot younger.
“It also must be remembered that Fergal was never suspended by the BHA, he was fined instead.
“Once we have lodged the application, it will be up to the BHA licensing committee to make a decision and I would imagine it will take a bit of time.”
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