Top jockey in custody in Hong Kong

CHAMPION Australian jockey Nash Rawiller was last night in custody and under investigation by Hong Kong’s anticorruption agency, after he was disqualified for illegal betting activities.

Rawiller was detained as he tried to board a flight home, after being banned for 15 months by Hong Kong Jockey Club stewards. Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption is now looking into his case – and can hold a person in custody for up to 48 hours without charge.

If charged, Rawiller, who was arrested late on Wednesday, could face a prison sentence similar to that of former Australian jockey Chris Munce, who spent 19 months in jail – six in Hong Kong and 13 in Australia – after he was convicted of conspiring to trade tips in return for bets in 2007.

Rawiller was found guilty of “having an interest in a bet” and for “receiving a benefit for providing tips”. There is no suggestion he had bet or tipped against his own rides.