Jockey Henry Tsang Kam-chuen has been suspended after failing a breathalyser test before racing on Hong Kong Derby day at Sha Tin yesterday.
Tsang recorded an alcohol reading of 22 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, 'right on the legal threshold', said chief stipendiary steward Jamie Stier.
Tsang, who was down to ride two horses in supporting races of the $14 million Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby, was suspended until May 1. The penalty includes nine race days.
He is the second jockey to be suspended for an alcohol offence in Hong Kong. German jockey Andrasch Starke tested positive for alcohol in 2000.
'Henry Tsang was one of six jockeys, randomly selected, who were asked to provide both breathalyser and urine samples,' Stier said.
Tsang initially failed to provide the samples, then asked to be stood down because of a headache. However, he was barred from leaving the course unless he provided the samples.