YORK jockey Robert Winston hopes to be back in the saddle next week after being arrested as part of the police investigation into alleged race-fixing.

John Blake, chief executive of the Jockeys Association of Great Britain, said the 25-year-old rider would hopefully return on Tuesday - if he has recovered from a bout of tonsillitis.

Mr Winston, 25, of New Lane, Huntington, was released on police bail on Wednesday night after being interviewed by police in York.

Mr Blake told the Racing Post he had been contacted by Mr Winston on Thursday following his arrest and the association had arranged for a local solicitor for him.

He said: "Robert has a young family and can't wait to get back riding. He's not been hiding away. He went to the police station voluntarily. He got in contact with me and we arranged for a local solicitor for him.

"He appreciates that jockeys have been arrested before him and that he's been asked to go through the same process. He hopes to be supported and continue to earn his living. He has already had lots of messages of support.

"He felt embarrassed about the whole thing, about his reputation and the people he works for. He hopes to resume riding early next week as planned.

"He's got nothing to hide and he is co-operating as appropriate. He was upset and shocked. He was arrested, but not charged with anything."

Mr Winston is the fifth jockey to be arrested and questioned as part of the growing investigation by City Of London Police.

Twenty-six people have been arrested and bailed so far, with Mr Winston due to return to a police station in early May.

The high-profile arrests included former champion jockey Kieren Fallon and North Yorkshire trainer Karl Burke. Arrests have previously been carried out in September, October and December.

Detectives are currently looking at more than 1,000 items, including 59 phones and several computers. The inquiry is examining allegations of fixing involving more than 80 races over the last two years.

Updated: 10:03 Friday, February 04, 2005