Immediate Stand Down

A British jockey, Harry Bentley, has been suspended from all racing in Hong Kong with immediate effect. The Group 1-winning rider has been competing in the lucrative Hong Kong circuit since April 2021.

Disciplinary Inquiry

In a statement released by the Jockey Club on Friday night, it was announced that Bentley is prohibited from participating in any races, barrier trials, and trackwork until he attends an inquiry regarding a potential disciplinary matter. The nature of the matter has not been disclosed at this time.

Impressive Season

Despite the suspension, Bentley has had a successful season so far, with seven wins out of 69 rides and prize money earnings of nearly £1 million.

Previous Suspension of Silvestre de Sousa

This is not the first time a jockey has been stood down by the HKJC. Earlier this year, former three-time British champion Flat jockey Silvestre de Sousa was given a ten-month betting ban for breaching betting rules. De Sousa had allegedly facilitated a bet for his friend and fellow Brazilian jockey Vagner Borges. However, De Sousa was due to appeal the severity of his ban, which has now been dropped and his deposit will be refunded.

It remains to be seen what the outcome of Bentley's inquiry will be and how it will affect his future in racing.