A North Yorkshire racehorse trainer arrested by police investigating allegations of race fixing has insisted that he has done nothing wrong.

Karl Burke, based at Middleham, said he was 'angry and bitter' at the way officers raided his home at 5am last Wednesday.

In total 16 people, including champion jockey Kieren Fallon and North Yorkshire-based jockeys Fergal Lynch and Darren Williams were arrested by City of London Police on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud.

Officers are investigating claims that 80 races over the past two years have been fixed.

All 16 arrested have now been released on bail to appear at London police stations in two months time.

Mr Burke, 41, said he was taken to Northallerton police station before being released on unconditional bail.

"I was away from the house when they (officers) came," he said. "I had taken my wife out for a surprise meal to celebrate our twentieth wedding anniversary.

"It was a complete surprise and I am very disappointed and very angry at how it was done.

"My name has been slapped all over the place, but I have got to bite the bullet and wait and go through the process." Mr Burke said he was shocked to have been arrested, especially as he was on target to have his best year as a trainer - recently passing the 50-winner mark.

"I am a bit bitter it has happened the way it has," he said. "Inquiries have to be made but I have nothing to answer. I have done nothing wrong."

James Bethell, chairman of Middleham Trainers' Association, said Mr Burke's arrest had come as a great shock.

"I have always found him a good man to work with, which makes this all the more unbelievable," he said.

The police investigation was prompted by the Jockey Club after they were given information by online betting exchange Betfair about irregular betting patterns.

Gamblers using betting exchanges can back horses to win, but also 'lay' them to lose.