Irish Jockey Neil Callan Suspended in Hong Kong

Irish jockey Neil Callan has had his license to ride in Hong Kong suspended until the end of the season with immediate effect.

Callan was called April 7 to see the Hong Kong Jockey Club's licensing committee to "consider the status" of his license after being disrespectful during a stewards' inquiry at Happy Valley on Feb. 3.

He was found guilty of careless riding during the February inquiry, suspended for three meetings, and fined HK$20,000 for his ride on Chater Pins.

His license has been suspended until the conclusion of the Hong Kong season on July 14, and Jockey Club executive director of racing Andrew Harding confirmed to the South China Morning Post that Callan is unable to ride anywhere else until that date.

The licensing committee cited Hong Kong Jockey Club rule 14(2) which states: "a license may be withdrawn or suspended by the stewards of the Jockey Club if they shall determine that the license holder's conduct, whether or not the conduct associated with racing, renders him unsuitable to continue to hold the license issued to him."

Callan had been booked for five rides at Happy Valley on Thursday. He has the right to appeal to the stewards of the Jockey Club against the decision of the licensing committee.

His suspension comes days after he partnered Mighty Giant to win the April 5 Chairman's Trophy (G2) at Sha Tin Racecourse, his 21st winner of the season from 339 rides.