Harry Bentley has taken to social media to release a statement regarding the two-month suspension and HK$300,000 fine he picked up from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, after pleading guilty to improper conduct.
Harry Bentley admitted to breaching rule 155 under the rules of racing in Hong Kong, which relates to misconduct, improper conduct or inappropriate behaviour.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club found that Bentley engaged in improper conduct through "inappropriate communications in respect to information about horses he had ridden in trackwork, barrier trials or races with persons who were not the registered owners or nominators of such horses, using a private mobile telephone provided by such persons".
The HKJC also found that the 31-year-old agreed to accept a payment from a person who was not the nominator of a horse in relation to a race he had ridden in, whilst he also provided false or misleading statements at an interview that took place on October 31.
However, there was no evidence Bentley received any payment and with previous a clean disciplinary record, the ban was concluded to be two months.
In a statement posted on X, Bentley said: "I would like to thank the Hong Kong Jockey Club for their close consideration throughout the steward's inquiry regarding an isolated incident which occurred when I was new to Hong Kong and the racing scene.
"I want to be extremely clear that this charge is in no way related to giving tips, betting, wagering, race fixing or accepting payment ahead of race riding. I ask that the public trust in the Hong Kong Jockey Club's decision and have confidence that is this was the case I would not have received the penalty I have. I have always tried to get the best position for my horse – that has never been in question.
"I accept that I should have done more research on the Rules in Hong Kong and I will endeavour to do better in the future.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank my partner, my family, friends and racing fans for their unwavering support. I will use my suspension [which runs to January 3, 2024] to prepare myself for the rest of the season and as always do my very best for the owners, the trainers, the Hong Kong Jockey Club and all my supporters. I can't wait to get back in the saddle early in the New Year!"
