Jockeys charged with illegal betting

Press, 21 September 1984, Page 33

Jockeys charged with illegal betting

NZPA staff correspondent David Porter Hong Kong Three Australian jockeys have been charged with illegal betting activities following an extensive investigation by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, it was reported here yesterday. The trio of expatriate riders will appear before the club’s stewards on October 15, the report said. The jockeys, David Brosnan, Rod Staples and Peter Leyshan, who finished up as No. 2 in Hong Kong last year, were notified by registered post of the club’s move last night. It followed an inquiry, begun at the end of last season by the jockey club’s security department, into allegations of betting by unauthorised people at a mafoos (stable hands) betting booth at Sha Tin, one of Hong Kong’s two race tracks.

Originally it was thought at least four riders would be

on the list when the investigation was announced by the club last month. But it was confirmed by the jockey club that only the three Australians, all of whom have ridden successfully in Hong Kong for several seasons, were being called up. The riders have made no comment, yesterday’s report said. Jockeys’ licences and permits were granted on the condition that riders did not misconduct themselves for the duration of their licence. The three riders have been charged under the club’s rules, one of the provisions of which was that the jockey should not bet or have an interest in a bet on any race. Penalties for a breach of the rule can range from delicensing to suspensions or fines, depending on the seriousness of the offence. Hong Kong’s racing season recommenced last week-end.