The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has suspended the licences of top jockeys John Egan and Robbie Fradd, among 20 people arrested in an investigation into race-fixing, it was confirmed today.
The HKJC said in a statement "... the Jockey Club, acting under the rules of racing, has suspended the licenses of jockeys John Egan and Robert Fradd until March 8th 2002."
Irishman Egan and South African Fradd, two of Hong Kong`s top jockeys, and 18 others were arrested in a Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) operation launched after claims of illegal bookmaking and race-rigging.
Egan is currently also suspended for two months for reportedly giving stewards misleading information during an inquiry into the running and riding of the horse Jade Ruyi who, as the race favourite, came in last of 12 runners in a race on January 9th.
The arrests, in an operation codenamed "Green Grass", followed raids on two premises close to Hong Kong`s Happy Valley race track. Computers, LCD monitors, betting records and other items were seized from the suspected illegal gambling dens.
All the suspects have reportedly been released on bail.
The two jockeys and four HKJC employees among those arrested are suspected of accepting inducements from illegal bookmakers in return for supplying stable racing information and manipulating race results.
The HKJC runs racing in the former British colony and has a monopoly on betting.
AFP