Hong Kong inquiries continue

ALL 37 people detained in connection with one of Hong Kong's worst horse racing scandals have been released but anti corruption officials said investigations were continuing.

Five were released on bail on Tuesday after being charged in court with illegal bookmaking. The two Malaysian nationals and three Hong Kong residents, pleaded not guilty.

"The inquiries are still ongoing," an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) spokeswoman told Reuters. "The people involved in these inquiries are believed to be involved in a syndicated horse race fixing matter." She declined to comment on specifics of the investigation.

No arrests were made yesterday or any new charges laid, the ICAC spokeswoman said, adding that all those questioned had been released pending further inquiries. The ICAC cannot hold detainees longer than 48 hours without bringing charges.

The charges are linked to a race fixing and illegal betting scandal on Hong Kong's Happy Valley and Sha Tin race courses.

On Monday, the ICAC said 37 people had been arrested, including five jockeys, two trainers and three staff of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which has a monopoly on horse racing and gaming in the territory.

Late on Tuesday, the Jockey Club said it had suspended the licences of two trainers and five jockeys "to maintain the confidence of the public in the conduct of racing."

Horse racing is the only legal form of gambling for Hong Kong's 6.4 million people. Betting turnover in the 1995/96 season was HK$80.6 billion (£6 billion), believed to be the highest per capita in the world.

. Mick Fitzgerald reached his fourth consecutive half century with a victory aboard Stormyfairweather at Towcester yesterday. The winner, trained by Nicky Henderson and aptly named considering the jockey's recent fortunes, led on the run in to beat 5 to 4 favourite Lord Rooble by a length and a quarter.

. Amatbur rider Seamus Durack, who left academia to pursue a career in the saddle, rode his second winner in the space of eight days when Derrybelle gained a 33 to 1 success in the Grafton Amateur Riders' Selling Hurdle at Towcester yesterday.