Jockeys in hot water

JOCKEY Callan Murray, who was stood down from riding at the Sha Tin race meeting on Sunday due to a hip complaint, was yesterday cleared to resume race riding by the chief medical officer in Hong Kong.

The only problem was that soon after he was given the go-ahead to ride, Murray pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding in that passing the 1 400m “he permitted his mount, Romantic Journey, to shift in when not clear of Bonito, causing that horse to be unnecessarily hampered and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled”.

Murray was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, February 20 and to expire on Monday, February 25 on which day he may resume race riding (two Hong Kong racedays).

Meanwhile, Grant van Niekerk also pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding in that “at the 350m he permitted his mount, Paddington, to shift out when not clear of Gobi Storm, resulting in that horse being bumped and taken out onto Cour Valant which in turn was hampered and taken out across the rightful running of Rochford which was badly checked as a result of the shift from the inside”.

Van Niekerk was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, February 24 and to expire on Thursday, February 28, on which day he may resume race riding (two Hong Kong racedays).

In addition, Van Niekerk was fined $20 000 (R35 260).