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Alan Aitken

Australian jockey Chris Munce, who was arrested on suspicion of involvement in a tips-for-bets scam, has been released without charge after surrendering his passport to anti-graft officers.

Munce was among seven people arrested on Monday on suspicion of involvement in the $1.6 million bribery case.

A spokeswoman for the Independent Commission Against Corruption said all seven were released without charge on Tuesday night and yesterday pending further investigation.

The Jockey Club yesterday opened a stewards' inquiry into the scandal, questioning Munce about his arrest before adjourning the inquiry to a later date.

Chief stipendiary steward Jamie Stier  said  in a statement:  'The stewards believed it was in the best interest of horse racing in Hong Kong to, as soon as possible, open an inquiry into this matter, so far as the jockey was concerned.

'Accordingly, evidence was today taken from jockey Christopher Munce, who confirmed he was the jockey referred to in the ICAC press release. Having taken initial evidence from jockey Munce, the stewards adjourned the inquiry to a date and time to be fixed.'

Munce was arrested shortly before leaving for the airport, from where he was due to fly back to Sydney to race  there this month.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption said he was suspected of taking bribes from illegal bookmakers and punters for providing tips about his mounts in various race meetings.

The bribes were believed to have been in the form of $600,000 worth of bets placed by the illegal bookies and punters on Munce's behalf, and subsequent winnings of $1.6 million.

Four suspected illegal bookmakers and two middlemen were arrested along with Munce in an operation codenamed Twin Towns, which began on Monday, although investigations into the scam were understood to have begun  several months ago.

Speaking after Munce's release, his lawyer, John McNamara,   said: 'Chris Munce was released unconditionally [on Tuesday night] and has not been charged with anything.'

The jockey declined assistance from the Australian consulate, a consular spokesman said yesterday.



Jockey released, but club questions him about arrest