The ICAC has arrested 19 persons, including two jockeys of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), in an investigation into horse race rigging and illegal bookmaking activities allegedly facilitated by corruption.

Also arrested in an operation codenamed " Green Grass ", which commenced last (Wednesday) night, were four other HKJC employees - two work riders, a racing registry assistant (system), and a clerk who was found inside an alleged illegal bookmaking centre.

The remaining 13 arrestees included an alleged illegal bookmaker, a saleswoman, a punting consultant, and 10 other civilians.

ICAC officers entered and searched two premises in Happy Valley area, where the HKJC clerk was arrested together with 10 other persons who were suspected to be engaged in illegal bookmaking activities during the course of yesterday's evening racing.

A number of computers, LCD monitors, betting records and other items suspected to be associated with illegal bookmaking were seized from the premises.

It was alleged that the two jockeys and the four HKJC employees had accepted advantages from illegal bookmakers as rewards for supplying stable racing information and manipulating race results.

The 10 civilians were allegedly involved in the operation of the illegal bookmaking centres, while a saleswoman was believed to have assisted in the laundering of illegal proceeds.

The punting consultant, who was a former journalist, was arrested for allegedly disclosing to one of the jockeys that he was the subject of an ongoing ICAC investigation.

The ICAC has been in close liaison with HKJC throughout the operation.

Enquiries are continuing.