Officer denies impartiality claim

Kieren Fallon is one of the six defendants and denies the charges

A detective investigating horse race-fixing claims has denied arranging a "cosy retirement" after being offered a job with racing authorities.

Acting Detective Inspector Mark Manning rejected a suggestion that he had been under pressure to "get results".

Defence counsel Peter Kelson, QC, had said jurors should have "deep anxiety" about Mr Manning's impartiality.

Jockey Kieren Fallon and five others deny conspiracy to defraud customers of internet betting exchange Betfair.

Mr Kelson, who represents one of the defendants, businessman Miles Rodgers, 38, of Silkstone, South Yorkshire, asked Mr Manning: "Has there been any pressure for results, any politicians involving his or her self in any way?"

"No, not that I am aware of," he replied.

The fact that I am going to be up for retirement is no secret Acting Detective Inspector Mark Manning

Mr Manning confirmed he had been offered a job with the investigations unit of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) - formerly known as the Jockey Club - but denied he had accepted it.

"The fact that I am going to be up for retirement is no secret," he said.

Mr Manning said he had not been aware there was a vacancy at the BHA during the investigation and denied Mr Kelson's claim that he had been "working towards a cosy retirement".

Mr Rodgers, Kieren Fallon, 42, from Tipperary in the Republic of Ireland, Fergal Lynch, 29, from Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, Mr Lynch's brother Shaun Lynch, 37, of Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Darren Williams, 29, of Leyburn, North Yorkshire and Philip Sherkle, 42, of Tamworth, Staffordshire, have all pleaded not guilty to being involved in the alleged race-fixing scam.

Mr Rodgers also denies concealing the proceeds of crime.

The trial continues.