The Jockey Club has fined reigning champion jockey Zac Purton HK$150,000 for his criticism of new chief steward Marc van Gestel.

In an outburst on Monday following a two-meeting suspension on Sunday, Purton slammed the approach Van Gestel has taken since replacing Kim Kelly earlier this month.

“If this is the new standard Van Gestel is going to set – that you’re going to get suspended for crowding another runner in a race – we’re not going to end up with any jockeys on the roster,” Purton said.

“He’s already lost the confidence of the jockeys’ room in the way he’s policing the rules. He’s taken it too far.

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“What he’s got to do is find a better balance. The things he’s been suspending jockeys for recently, half of them are only worthy of maybe a warning or a reprimand at best.

“He says ‘this is the new standard’. Well, the new standard is too strict. The standard he wants to apply isn’t going to be sustainable here because we’re not going to have any jockeys to ride the horses.”

The Jockey Club confirmed the penalty after an inquiry on Friday, saying “the stewards considered a number of factors including his guilty plea, his conduct record, previous penalties for previous cases and the potential of the article to damage the reputation of the club and its officials”.

Purton pleaded guilty to a breach of Rule 54 (2), which says “each jockey shall conduct his business and fulfil his responsibilities in compliance with the jockeys’ code of conduct and with all proper directions of his owners and trainers and of the club”.

In a statement, the Jockey Club outlined section 14 of the code of conduct.

“Whilst the club respects the right of all individuals to express an opinion, you must appreciate that public statements could bring yourself, and the name, image and reputation of the club into disrepute and may also affect the integrity of horse racing conducted by the club.

“There may be occasions when you do not agree with policies, decisions or actions of the club, the stewards, the stipendiary stewards, other club officials or employees.

“In these circumstances you are required to bring the matter to the attention of the club’s management and to seek clarification or resolution prior to making or issuing any public statements or expressing your opinion to the media.”

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While the magnitude of the fine will smart, Purton – who sits on 96 wins through 47 meetings – will not be sidelined for any longer than the two-meeting ban he received on Sunday, a win for the Australian as he eyes Joao Moreira’s single-season record of 170 victories.

He does, however, have another hearing to attend after being charged with misconduct under the provisions of Rule 155 (5): “No person shall be guilty of any misconduct, improper conduct or inappropriate behaviour.”

The charge stems from “improper comments” Purton directed at Derek Leung Ka-chun outside the inquiry room after Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting.

It was Leung’s mount, Celtic Times, whom Purton crowded aboard Sinba, leading to his suspension.

That inquiry has been adjourned until this Sunday’s meeting at Sha Tin “to allow Purton the opportunity to provide further evidence in defence of the charge”.