HK Court rejects Australian Jockey's plea for passport
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-07-22 11:00 Australian jockey Chirs Munce
has failed to have his passport returned as he was charged of giving tips to
bookmakers.
Local newspapers reported on Friday that the East Court of Hong Kong Thursday
rejected Munce's application of having his passport back as his case is still
under investigation.
The 36-year-old rider, one of the best Australian jockey riding in Hong Kong,
was arrested early July by Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption
(ICAC) for taking bribes through a middleman from illegal bookies and giving
tips in various races.
The bribes were given through the form of bets placed on Munce's behalf by
the bookies. And he was expected to receive 1.6 million HK dollars (about
US$206,000) of dividends.
It is said Munce have ridden for the full season in Hong Kong with 51
winners, which will bring him 2.51 million HK dollars (about US$323,500), 7.5
percent of the prize money.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong Jockey Club has also opened an inquiry into the
case.
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