A total of 163 jockeys, trainers and others in horse racing have inappropriately obtained a combined ¥187 million ($1.73 million) using a government program for businesses hit by the pandemic, an industry association said Saturday.
The Japan Racing Association revealed the number after conducting a survey targeting 2,748 people concerned after allegations emerged of racehorse trainers and others taking advantage of the government scheme.
In all, 165 used the government program, and 163, including 13 jockeys, have returned or are in the process of returning the money they received inappropriately.