Jockey insists HKJC ban and fine unrelated to betting or race-fixing
Andrew Bentley takes to social media to clear the air after being handed a two-month ban from sport
Banned jockey Andrew Bentley has said his suspension by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) was not related to betting or race-fixing.
Bentley, who was banned for two months and handed a HK$300,000 (£31,275) fine on Monday (13 November), took to social media to address the situation.
The 31-year-old was barred from riding in races, barrier trials and trackwork from 3 November by the HKJC.
In subsequent hearings, Bentley pleaded guilty to improper conduct after passing on information about the horses he was riding in exchange for payment.
Using a private mobile phone, Bentley provided information to “persons who were not the registered owners or nominators of such horses”.
Bentley also agreed to accept payment from a non-associated person, although he did not receive it.
The jockey will return to the saddle in January, with the HKJC noting his previously clean disciplinary record and the fact he did not receive the promised payments as extenuating measures.
Posting on X, formerly known as 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 not the case I would not have received the penalty I have. 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,” he added.