Banned jumps jockey Martin Kelly has admitted he knew exactly what he was getting himself into when gambling on horse races and said he did it because he was bored.
The Australian-based Irishman was slapped with a 20-month disqualification on four betting-related charges, including one of placing four bets on races in which he rode.
The 29-year-old, who was last season awarded the Tommy Corrigan Medal, which recognises the standout rider in jumps races across Victoria and South Australia, pleaded guilty to all charges and said the penalty was fair.
"I thought it was very fair," Kelly told Racing Victoria.
"I knew what I was doing when I was doing it.
"Throughout the summer riding down where I am riding in Bass - it is the middle of nowhere.
"Pure boredom. I wouldn't even go to the pub to have a bet. I was just at home on the couch with an ipad.
"I think the biggest bet I had was $15 each way or $20 each way.
"I am not a criminal or anything. It is what it is."
Kelly's former housemate Wayne Cuddihy was disqualified for three months for giving false evidence to stewards concerning who placed the bets.