Race Fixing Allegations: Evangeline Downs Race 7, 6-19-15

Following an extensive investigation by the Louisiana State Police, three Louisiana horse jockeys have been arrested and charged for their roles in an alleged race fixing scheme. Troopers arrested 46- year-old Joseph Patin Jr. of Opelousas, 51-year-old Billy Patin of Opelousas, and 24-year-old LeSean Conyers of Lafayette on charges of Willful Pulling of the Reins and Cheating and Swindling.

The arrests stem from an investigation into a complaint received from the Louisiana Racing Commission alleging that during a race at the Evangeline Downs Race Track and Casino on June 19th, 2015, the three suspects engaged in questionable riding tactics that affected the outcome of the race. Through interviews and evidence obtained from track officials, troopers determined the jockeys willfully schemed to hold back a horse picked as a favorite to win while utilizing an agent to place unusual bets in an attempt to maximize winnings.

Here is a replay of the race in question. The colored arrows correspond to the horses' numbers: #2 (white) Powder Road, Joseph Patin Jr., #3 (blue) Georgia's Genie, LeSean Conyers, #4 (yellow) Ben's Juliette, Billy Patin. An incident involving Conyers and his whip is highlighted in the stretch run.