Eric Saint-Martin received a severe reprimand but narrowly avoided a more serious charge when the inquiry into the running and handling of Viva Pataca concluded yesterday.
Viva Pataca, winner of the Hong Kong Derby and Champions & Chater Cup last spring, resumed from a spell at Sha Tin on Sunday and flashed home late for fifth to Green Treasure after being held up for the first half of the home straight.
Stewards opened an inquiry on the day and questioned Saint-Martin and trainer John Moore extensively before adjourning at 7pm. The questions resumed yesterday at Happy Valley at 9.30am.
Ultimately, the stewards decided that Saint-Martin should not face a charge, but chose to issue the Frenchman with a 'severe reprimand'.
'The stewards, in the circumstances, believed jockey Saint-Martin held a reasonable expectation that [rival galloper and stablemate] Art Trader would improve its position in the early part of the straight and when this did not happen Viva Pataca was then held up,' Stier wrote in his report.
'It was decided... that Saint-Martin not be charged, however, he was severely reprimanded and told he must maintain an open mind to changing tactics when warranted at vital stages of the race.'
Moore was told the evidence tendered by him had been 'recorded' rather than accepted.