Legendary racehorse owner Kenny Alexander, the man behind Honeysuckle, charged with bribery as part of massive probe.

Bribery allegations back in the spotlight

According to The Sun: The owner of Champion Hurdle winner, Kenny Alexander, has been charged with bribery and conspiracy to defraud as part of an international HMRC investigation.

Kenny, a 56-year-old Scot, previously ran Ladbrokes and Coral for 13 years and is among 11 individuals being prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service.

HMRC investigation and charges

Hannah von Dadelsen, the chief prosecutor of the CPS, stated:

“The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized charges against 11 individuals for seven offenses related to bribery, conspiracy to defraud, fraudulent trading, false accounting, tax evasion, managing a company while insolvent, and perverting the course of justice.”

The HMRC initiated an investigation into GVC Holdings, the former parent company of Ladbrokes and Coral, which operated in Turkey, following suspicions of breaches of the Bribery Act.

Von Dadelsen added:

“These offenses are linked to the provision of gambling services in Turkey between 2011 and 2018. Our prosecutors have worked closely with HM Revenue and Customs officials conducting the investigation.”

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all those involved that criminal proceedings against these defendants are active and that they are entitled to a fair trial.”

What comes next?

Richard Lasc, the director of HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, noted:

“This has been a complex and international investigation.”

“These are serious allegations relating to conspiracy to defraud, bribery, fraud, tax evasion, and perverting the course of justice.”

“We remind everyone that the proceedings are active and no further details will be provided at this time.”

The first hearing in this case will take place on October 6 at Westminster Magistrates Court.

Alexander gained fame for his sky-blue and white colors under which his horses have won numerous major races. Among his successes is the famous two-time Champion Hurdle winner Honeysuckle, who won four times at the Cheltenham Festival. This year, he also had two winners at the Cheltenham Festival, including Doddiethegreat in the Pertemps Final and Kargese in the County Hurdle.

The situation regarding the allegations could significantly affect Alexander's reputation and his business opportunities moving forward, and the developments are drawing attention not only to the world of horse racing but also to the issue of corruption in the gambling industry. Observers are already awaiting details of the hearing scheduled for next month.