A NORTH-EAST jockey has told how he lost almost £10,000 in a fraud targeting high-profile riders.

Andrew Thornton, a former Barnard Castle School student, was among a number of jockeys singled out by the fraudster in the past week-and-a-half, according to the Racing Post.

It is reported that cash was handed over by staff at various branches of different banks to someone claiming to be the account holder.

Former champion jockey Paul Hanagan was also among the victims of the fraud, which is thought to stand at about £50,000.

Money has been refunded to the victims, but the Professional Jockeys Association is urging riders to keep a close eye on their financial affairs.

Jump jockey Mr Thornton, 41, told the Racing Post he had no knowledge of fraudulent activity on his Lloyds Bank account until it was too late.

He said: "I got a text saying I'd ordered a new card, which I hadn't, and I also got a phone call from the bank, saying I'd missed an appointment I hadn't made.

"That set alarm bells ringing

"They took nearly £10,000 over the space of ten days.

"It certainly begs the question how they know where we bank and that is what we are trying to piece together."