British jockey fined over £30,000 and banned for two months after pleading guilty to ‘improper conduct’
BRIT jockey Harry Bentley has been fined more than £30,000 and banned for two months after pleading guilty to ‘improper conduct’.
The case surrounding Bentley, who rides in Hong Kong, had been shrouded in mystery since he was blocked from all racing with immediate effect on November 3.
But the 31-year-old has now copped a massive fine and hefty ban after passing on information about horses he was riding.
Bentley, a Group 1-winnning rider, gave the insider info in return for potential financial reward – but never saw the money.
In a statement, HKJC chief steward Marc van Gestel said: “In determining penalty, the stewards took into consideration his guilty plea, the nature and circumstances of the breach, including that the evidence established that Mr Bentley did not receive the payment as detailed, Mr Bentley’s personal and professional circumstances at the time of the offence and his unblemished record in relation to similar offences.
“In the circumstances, Mr Bentley’s jockey licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of two months to commence on November 3 2023, the day he was stood down by the stewards under Rule 12 (15), and to expire on January 3 2024.
“In addition, Mr Bentley was fined a sum of HK$300,000 (£31,379).”
More to follow.