It has only been a few weeks since Chris Munce was released from jail and he has now been banned from riding for thirty months by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Munce is a former Melbourne Cup winner and was found guilty of additional charges in the ‘tips for bets’ case that he already served time for.

Munce was in jail for twenty months in Hong Kong and Australia for previous charges in the case and Monday Munce participated in a hearing via video link from Sydney, Australia where he was found guilty.

Munce will be unable to race in any events until next September and will now face a racing tribunal in New South Wales State this Wednesday. Munce must prove shy the disqualification should not be also enforced in Australia.

Munce released a statement on Monday where he commented: "I am shocked and dismayed by the decision. I have at all times co-operated with stewards, in stark contrast to others who have fled Hong Kong and resumed riding in other parts of the world. I acknowledge my breach of Hong Kong racing rules but I have more than paid the price."

Munce served time in prison for accepting advantages in return for providing tips to a Hong Kong businessman in 2005 to 2006. Munce spent 6 months in a Hong Kong jail before he was transferred to a low security jail in Sydney.



- 2008-12-01