Chiu gets record ban for using drugs again
Jockey Marco Chui Kwan-lai's career is in tatters after he was banned by Hong Kong Jockey Club stewards yesterday after being caught for a second time using the recreational drug ketamine.
Chui, 23, has had his licence suspended for a record 12 months for testing positive to using the drug after receiving a six-month ban only last May for ketamine use.
He will need to provide sufficient evidence to the licensing committee if he is to be re-issued with his licence after the expiration of his suspension on January 25, 2011.
'Chui was found guilty of having breached Rule of Racing 60(1) in that the sample of urine supplied after the Happy Valley meeting on January 20 was found upon analysis to show the presence of ketamine,' chief steward Kim Kelly said.
'In assessing the penalty, the stewards were cognisant of the fact that Chui has previously been penalised for breaching the same rule. He was also advised that, notwithstanding his right of appeal, should he submit an application for a jockey's licence in the future, the stewards would recommend to the licensing committee that he be required to appear before them to 'show cause' why such licence ought to be granted.'
Chui had pleaded not guilty to the charges and may still appeal against the suspension.
