Australia's Melbourne Cup winning jockey Christopher Munce was freed on bail yesterday in Hong Kong after being charged in connection with a race tips conspiracy.
Munce, who rode 1998 Melbourne Cup winner Jezabeel, was handed back his passport but ordered to give authorities 48 hours advance notice if he planned to leave Hong Kong while the investigation continues.
The 37-year-old was stopped at the airport on his way home to Australia in July after allegedly pocketing around HK$1.6 million (US$206,000) for his part in the scheme, according to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
The jockey was alleged to have had bets on races placed on his behalf in exchange for providing race tips to a businessman between Dec. 14 last year and July 3 this year.
The alleged advantages were said to be rewards for Munce riding in horse races in a manner consistent with those racing tips, the ICAC said.
Munce -- who was also suspended earlier this year after coming in second in a race in which his horse had led the field throughout -- was among seven men arrested in connection with the alleged conspiracy.
Four of the others were reportedly illegal bookmakers.
Munce was released on bail of HK$200,000 in cash and surety. He is next due in court on Oct. 6.
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