Louisiana Jockeys Arrested for Allegedly Shocking Horses and Fixing Races

Three Louisiana jockeys were arrested Wednesday on charges of race fixing after authorities allege the jockeys attempted to fix a June 19 race at the Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, per Emily Lane of NOLA.com.

According to Lane, a Louisiana State Police press release notes Billy Patin, 51, Joseph Patin Jr., 46, and LeSean Conyers, 24, are all being charged with "willful pulling of the reins" to slow down their horses and "cheating and swindling." The release also says the Patin brothers are being charged with using handheld devices to shock the horses during previous races at the same track. 

"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," the Louisiana State Police release noted, per Lane's report.

In a sport that's popularity is so closely tied to gambling, race fixing is hardly an unfamiliar issue. In January, jockey Roman Chapa was accused of using an electronic device to fix races, a felony charge. For the various race commissions around the country, race fixing remains the sport's most pressing issue.