Victorian jockey Lewis German has been banned from racing for 10 years after being found guilty of deliberately losing races as part of a major betting scandal. The 25-year-old admitted to riding his mounts to lose between April 21 and August 31, 2022.
The Victorian Racing Tribunal heard that professional punter Noah Brash placed 89 lay bets on German’s rides during this period, wagering nearly $2.5 million. Brash reportedly made a profit of $259,494 from these bets. German, however, denied ever profiting from the scheme, insisting that he was promised money but never received any.
“I am not here to tell a sad story,” German said during the tribunal hearing. “I am here to apologise to the racing community and to everyone who trusted in me. I feel like I let them down.”
Despite his plea, German was handed a 10-year suspension, with Racing Victoria Stewards initially pushing for a 15-year ban.
The scandal also involves fellow jockey Michael Ploy, who has been charged and will face the tribunal on March 31.