The Stewards today concluded an inquiry into a report from the Club’s Security and Integrity Department that four horses trained by Mr A Schutz had exercised in the trotting ring after track work had closed on the morning of Wednesday, 14 January 2015.
Further evidence was today taken from Mr Schutz, Mr S L Tai, Assistant Trainer, Mr K M Leung, Track Attendant, Mr L Y Tsang, Senior Track Attendant, and Mr K M Ho, Senior Security Officer. Evidence was also taken from Mr J C S Wong, Manager, Stables.
Mr Schutz was found guilty of breaching Hong Kong Rule of Racing 155(5) in that on the morning of Wednesday, 14 January 2015, he misconducted himself by directing his Assistant Trainer, Mr Tai, to open a gate which had been partially closed for the purpose of four horses trained by him entering and utilizing the trotting rings after the permitted period of use of this facility had closed for that morning.
Mr Schutz was fined the sum of $8,000. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the set of circumstances which preceded this incident occurring and also Mr Schutz’ record of not having previously been penalized under a similar Rule.
??
