The Stewards today concluded their inquiry into Apprentice K K Chiong’s riding of DOYENI in the Home Straight in the Lotus Handicap which was run at Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday, 21 May 2017.
At the previous hearing on 26 May 2017, Apprentice Chiong pleaded not guilty to being in breach of Rule of Racing 99 (2) and (5) and was granted an adjournment to prepare a defence to the charge. At today’s resumption, the Stewards considered further evidence from Apprentice Chiong and from Mr K W Lui, Apprentice Chiong’s allocated trainer, as well as written submissions tendered by Apprentice Chiong.
Having considered all of the evidence, the charge against Apprentice Chiong was sustained and accordingly she was found guilty of the charge issued on 26 May 2017. In the circumstances, the Stewards considered the appropriate penalty was for Apprentice Chiong’s licence to ride in races to be suspended for a period to commence on Thursday, 8 June 2017 and to expire on Sunday, 2 July 2017 on which day she may resume race riding. During this period, there are 7 racemeetings scheduled to be conducted in Hong Kong.
