THREE JOCKEYS HAVE been arrested after claims they raped an 18-year-old woman at a house party in England.

The jockeys, two of whom have been named as Brendan Powell and Irish jockey Richard Condon, have been bailed until December.

The alleged incident is said to have taken place at a home in Swindon on Thursday evening.

Paul Morris, from BCL Solicitors, said in a statement: “My clients, Brendan Powell and Richard Condon, are subject to a police investigation with which they are co-operating fully.

Both categorically deny any allegation of criminal wrongdoing and are confident that, in due course, their innocence will become clear to everyone. It is not appropriate at this stage to make any further comment.”

A spokeswoman for the Wiltshire Police confirmed to TheJournal.ie that they made a number of arrests and that investigations are ongoing.

She said: “Detectives from Wiltshire Police are investigating an allegation of rape of an 18-year-old woman that occurred on 3 November at a residential address in Chiseldon, Swindon.

Three men aged 21, 20 were arrested on 4 November and a third man, aged 20, was arrested on Saturday 5 November. All were taken to a local police station.

“They have since been bailed to return on a date in late December. Enquiries continue.”

The British HorseRacing Authority has released a statement clarifying that, for now, the jockeys concerned can continue to ride:

Today’s reports concerning the arrest and subsequent release on bail of three BHA-licensed jockeys, following allegations of rape, raise a very serious issue.

The BHA is considering urgently what action is warranted in the interests of all parties concerned and in the context of the wider sport.In the meantime, and at least until we have obtained further details and been able to consider them, the jockeys concerned can continue to ride under our rules.”

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