Hong Kong racing media report that SA jockey Grant van Niekerk’s shock sacking by the Hong Kong Jockey Club on Monday was apparently related to a domestic dispute.
The South China Morning Post reports that HKJC officials advised that police are not involved in the matter and that Van Niekerk has remained in Hong Kong for the time being.
“There has never been any police involvement in anything that has led the club to make the decision to withdraw the licence,” executive director of racing Andrew Harding said.
Van Niekerk was scheduled to ride Alcari in a barrier trial at Sha Tin on Friday morning, but did not show up and Alex Lai Hoi-wing jumped on at the last minute, prompting trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai to address the issue with stewards.
The 28 year old Cape Town-born Van Niekerk, who won the Sun Met on Oh Susanna in 2018 will be devastated by the events and has been enjoying a terrific season.
He has 37 wins and 84 placings from 350 rides to his name for just over HK$56 million in prize money after registering 31 victories in his maiden Hong Kong campaign in 2018-19.
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