Racing rocked following probe into major sponsor Vertem Asset Management

Racing shook after investigation into main sponsor Vertem Asset Management and founder John Dance – co-owner of Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Bravesmansgame

  • The company was ordered to cease operations after serious problems came to light
  • John Dance, founder of Vertem, has not commented on the matter
  • Dance owns about 60 horses, including six-time Group 1 winner Laurens

Racing has been rocked after the Vertem Asset Management firm, founded by leading racehorse owner John Dance, was ordered by the Financial Conduct Authority to cease operations after serious regulatory and operational issues came to light.

Northumbria Police, in conjunction with the FCA, also arrested a 48-year-old man in connection with these concerns.

Dance owns about 60 horses, 45 of which are in training with James Horton in Middleham, where he has built a private training complex.

Dans is part owner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup Bravemansgame, which could run at Aintree next week. His best Flat horse is six-time Group 1 winner Laurens.

Bravemansgame (R) finished second in the Gold Cup this year behind Galopin Des Champs (L)

Vertem Asset Management is sponsoring the Group 1 two-year-old race at Doncaster in October. The BHA said it is aware of the reports and is in contact with the relevant authorities. Dance, which Vertem founded in 2010, has not commented.

Trainer David Pipe has appointed Jack Tudor as his stable jockey following the retirement of Tom Scudamore.