Hong Kong Stewards To Resume Munce Inquiry
Story By Racing Editor Chris Scholtz
Wednesday, 22 October 2008:  | | Chris Munce |
Hong Kong Jockey Club stewards have announced they will reconvene their inquiry into the arrest and charging of Munce on conspiracy charges at 10am on November 3.
Munce was sentenced to 30 months jail by a Hong Kong court on March 1, 2007, after he was found guilty in the so-called "tips for bets" case brought by Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption.
After a period in a Hong Kong jail negotiations between Australian and HK authorities allowed him to be transferred to Sydney's Silverwater jail to serve out the balance of his sentence that was reduced to 20 months with remissions.
Munce's time behind bars is due to end with his release from Silverwater on October 31.
The Melbourne Cup winning jockey has signalled his intention to resume riding in Sydney but whether he is given a licence by Racing NSW depends on the outcome of the HKJC stewards inquiry.
Munce has indicated that he will not return to Hong Kong despite the certainty that he will be summoned to appear at the November 3 inquiry.
Munce was among seven persons arrested in Hong Kong in July of 2006 by the ICAC in connection with a corruption investigation over a tips-for-bets bribery scam.
Munce was charged by the ICAC with the offence of "conspiracy for an agent to accept advantages”.
HKJC stewards immediately opened their own inquiry into the matter and evidence was taken at that time from Munce.
The HKJC stewards have announced that they wish to now resume the inquiry after being advised of Munce's availability from early November.
As Munce has no wish to return to Hong Kong he may be ordered to give evidence via a live telecommunications link.
Munce, who admitted in court evidence to having an interest in bets placed by a punter on his race tips, is facing a severe penalty from the HKJC that may prevent him from returning to the saddle for some time.
Australian racing authorities would be duty-bound to abide by any suspension or disqualif9ication imposed on Munce by the HKJC stewards.
Despite the sympathy for Munce in Australia, a failure to support any HKJC ruling would be seen as a breach of protocol between international racing jurisdictions.
There are suggestions in Hong Kong that Munce may identify other previously unnamed racing figures connected to the tips for cash scandal if he gives further evidence to the HKJC stewards.
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