Gavin Lerena – won’t be riding
The National Horseracing Authority confirms that Jockey Gavin Lerena incurred a suspension from riding in races for a period of two Hong Kong race meetings as a result of an incident which arose whilst Mr Lerena rode the horse BREEDERS STAR in Race 6 at Happy Valley Racecourse on 7 December 2016.
The incident was reported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Stipendiary Stewards as follows:
“Jockey Gavin Lerena BREEDERS’ STAR was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that for some distance approaching and passing the 600m, he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of WONDERFUL FIGHTER, resulting in that horse being taken in onto HAYMAKER, causing those horses to be unnecessarily crowded for room and for HAYMAKER to be checked making the turn after the 600m and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. VICTOR EMPEROR and COUR VALANT were hampered in consequence. G Lerena was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence immediately and to expire on Thursday, 15 December 2016 on which he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Lerena’s good race riding record.”
Mr Lerena initially provided suspension dates commencing on 8 December 2016 to 14 December 2016.
However, it was brought to the attention of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Stewards that Jockey Lerena was serving a suspension which arose from an incident whilst he rode GREASEPAINT in Race 7 at the Vaal Racecourse on 17 November 2016, over the identical time period.
The Hong Kong Racing Stewards Panel then revised Mr Lerena’s period of suspension from 15 December to 22 December 2016, both days inclusive.
In deciding the date of the suspension, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Stewards took into account Mr Lerena’s non-disclosure of relevant information, which forfeited any consideration for the commencement date of the suspension to be deferred beyond the expiration date of the previously incurred period of suspension.
The National Horseracing Authority has an International Agreement with the Hong Kong Jockey Club as a SPECIFIED RACING AUTHORITY and as per Rule 91.1.2, has enforced the penalty.
As a result of this penalty, Mr Lerena will be replaced on all mounts which he has been carded to ride during the period of 15 – 22 December 2016.
