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British Jockey Harry Bentley has denied that his recent two-month suspension is in any way related to betting or race fixing.
According to Irish media, alongside receiving a two-month ban, the 31-year-old was also handed a HK$300,000 (US$38,409) fine from the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
The jockey admitted to breaching rule 155 under the rules of racing in Hong Kong, which relates to ‘misconduct, improper conduct or inappropriate behaviour’ during a recent two-day hearing.
Bentley was blocked from all racing with immediate effect on 3 November after being issued his fine due to passing on information about his horses to those not directly related to the horses which was classed as “inappropriate communications.” He had also used a private phone provided by unknown persons.
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Bentley said: “I would like to thank the Hong Kong Jockey Club for their close consideration throughout the steward’s inquiry regarding an isolated incident which occurred when I was new to Hong Kong and the racing scene.
“I want to be extremely clear that this charge is in no way related to giving tips, betting, wagering, race fixing, or accepting payment ahead of race riding. I ask that the public trust in the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s decision and have confidence that if this was the case I would not have received the penalty I have.
“I have always tried to get the best position for my horse – that has never been in question. I accept that I should have done more research on the rules in Hong Kong and I will endeavour to do better in the future.”
