The Stewards today conducted an inquiry in relation to statements made by Jockey Z Purton and published by the South China Morning Post on Monday, 20 February 2023 following a careless riding suspension he incurred at the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday, 19 February 2023.

Subsequently Jockey Purton pleaded guilty to a breach of Rule 54(2) which reads:-

“Each jockey shall conduct his business and fulfil his responsibilities in compliance with the Jockeys’ Code of Conduct and with all proper directions of his owners and trainers and of the Club.”

The Jockey Club’s Code of Conduct referred in section 14 headed public comments which part thereof states”-

“Whilst the Club respects the right of all individuals to express an opinion, you must appreciate that public statements could bring yourself, and the name, image and reputation of the Club into disrepute and may also affect the integrity of horse racing conducted by the Club.

There may be occasions when you do not agree with policies, decisions or actions of the Club, the Stewards, the Stipendiary Stewards, other Club officials or employees.  In these circumstances you are required to bring the matter to the attention of the Club’s management and to seek clarification or resolution prior to making or issuing any public statements or expressing your opinion to the media.  The same requirement applies to any matters relating to the integrity of racing conducted by the Club.”

In assessing penalty, the Stewards considered a number of factors including his guilty plea, his conduct record, previous penalties for previous cases and the potential of the article to damage the reputation of the Club and its officials.  In all the circumstances, Jockey Purton was fined a sum of $150,000.

Furthermore, Jockey Purton was issued with a charge of misconduct under the provisions of Rule 155(5) which reads:-

“No person shall be guilty of any misconduct, improper conduct or inappropriate behaviour.”

The particulars of the charge being that he did direct improper comments at Jockey K C Leung outside of the Inquiry Room after the conclusion of the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday, 19 February 2023.

Evidence was taken from K C Leung, L Hewitson (by telephone) and Cadet Stipendiary Steward T C Y Hui.

The inquiry was adjourned until Sunday, 26 February 2023 at Sha Tin Racecourse to allow Jockey Purton the opportunity to provide further evidence in defence of the charge.