Egan urged to return to Hong Kong

John Egan was today urged by the Hong Kong Jockey Club to return to the former British colony to answer allegations that he accepted favours in return for racing information.

An arrest warrant has been made against the Irish jockey, who has been riding in England this season, and Egan was directed to return to Hong Kong on June 30th.

A statement issued by the Hong Kong Jockey Club on their official web-site today read:

'With a court case pending on jockey John Egan, the Hong Kong Jockey Club is not in a position to comment on today`s statement issued by the Independent Commission Against Corruption relating to charges alleging that jockey John Egan accepted an advantage from a horse owner in return for his providing racing tips.

'However, the Jockey Club strongly urges jockey Egan to respond to the arrest warrant and return to Hong Kong in accordance with the conditions originally set by the court.

'The court has directed Egan to return to Hong Kong by the 30th of June. We believe that jockey Egan should have complied with the court directive and failing this must now respond to this arrest warrant.

'The Jockey Club has also been advised that the Department of Justice has not yet completed its legal review concerning Robbie Fradd`s case. We hope that a decision will be made as soon as possible.'

Egan and South African Fradd, a former champion jockey in Hong Kong, were arrested by the ICAC in February as part of an investigation into alleged race-fixing and illegal bookmaking. They were put in jail and released after two days. A total of 21 people were detained for questioning.

Egan and Fradd were suspended by the HKJC but were free to ride anywhere else in the world. Egan returned to Britain where he has ridden 13 winners so far this season.

'The matter is in the hands of my lawyers and I can`t really comment at the moment, only to say that I was never actually on police bail as I refused it,' said Egan at Yarmouth where he was riding this afternoon.