Probe must be widened to include all aspects of trackwork
The Jockey Club acted with commendable swiftness in launching an inquiry into the horrific fall of work rider Chan Kwok-leung during trackwork at Sha Tin on Wednesday, and now we await the outcome of the charges levelled at trainer Alex Wong Siu-tan at Friday's hearing.
But the investigation into Chan's fall should not stop with the individuals involved in this particular case. It is just as important - perhaps even more so - that the Club carries out a thorough review of every aspect of work riding in order to prevent a repeat of Wednesday's dreadful incident. Plenty of rumours and allegations have been circulating since Chan's fall, and the Club must answer all the doubts that have been raised over trackwork safety.
Although Friday's inquiry heard from more than a dozen witnesses, the substance of their evidence remains unknown as the Club reserved disclosure pending the hearing of the charges against Wong. But it is vital that the investigation provides answers on matters such as the equipment, training and supervision of work riders.
And looming over the whole case is the issue of where blame would fall if criminal proceedings are forthcoming over Chan's fall. The Club may see itself only as a licensing authority, with ultimate responsibility resting with trainers as detailed in the sections of Rule 58 under which Wong has been charged, but a court could view things differently. After all, work riders are employed and allocated by the Club, and arguably trainers are Club employees too.
Wong, who conducted himself with great dignity yesterday at a time of intense pressure, should not be made the scapegoat if more systematic failings are to blame.
Robbie Fradd made a welcome return to trackwork yesterday following his race fall on the all-weather at Sha Tin last Sunday. The reigning champion, who suffered a broken nose and facial cuts, expects to return to racing at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.
'I rode work on four horses, and I had no problems,' Fradd said. 'I still have the scars from the fall, but I feel fine and I can't wait to get back and ride some winners. I had to get the all-clear from the doctor before I could ride trackwork, and I will see him again for another check-up, but I don't think there will be a problem for Wednesday.'
Apprentice Henry Tsang had his claim reduced to 3lb with immediate effect after notching the 35th success of his career when bringing home Eastern Express by a length in the mile race which closed yesterday's card.
It was a well-deserved victory for Ricky Yiu Poon-fie's five-year-old, who had finished second on his three previous starts, and the trainer said: 'He has held his form well and has been very consistent. He has been beaten a couple of times at Happy Valley recently, but Sha Tin suits him much better and a mile is just right for him.'
The Red Ransom gelding was bought as an unraced three-year-old in England by former director of racing Philip Johnston.
It had to happen some time. Frankie Dettori, making his first racecourse appearance since winning the Hong Kong Cup on Fantastic Light in December, earned less than a perfect 10 for his famous flying dismount when he came a cropper in Dubai the other night.
Dettori scored a 12-length success on Dubai World Cup candidate Best Of The Bests, but his flawless riding display was not matched in the winner's circle as he fell on dismount. The Italian star, making his comeback following the removal of screws from his ankle inserted after last summer's plane crash, put a brave face on the embarrassment. 'It shows the fitness isn't quite right. I knew I had to do it for the crowd, but I obviously wasn't ready as my legs buckled on landing.'
Maybe Dettori had used up all his luck when he wowed the Sha Tin crowd on International day with not one, but two flying dismounts.
