McDonald suspended in Hong Kong
13 Jul 2012 | Hong Kong Jockey Club The HKJC Stewards on Tuesday concluded their inquiry into the analyst's report on the urine sample supplied by Visiting Jockey James McDonald at the Sha Tin racemeeting conducted on Sunday, 1 July 2012. Evidence was taken from Jockey McDonald and Dr E N M Ho, Acting Head of Racing Laboratory.
It was reported on 5 July 2012 that the sample supplied by Jockey McDonald contained hydrochlorothiazide and chlorothiazide which are prohibited substances (jockey) as they are categorised as diuretics. After having been informed of the analyst's findings, Jockey McDonald advised that he did not wish to have the reserve portion of the sample analysed by an independent laboratory.
Jockey McDonald pleaded guilty to having breached Hong Kong Jockey Club Rule of Racing 60(1) in that the sample supplied by him at the Sha Tin racemeeting on 1 July 2012 had upon analysis shown the presence of hydrochlorothiazide and chlorothiazide.
The Stewards decided in the circumstances of this case and after having considered precedent penalties imposed for positive samples involving diuretics, the appropriate penalty was for Jockey McDonald’s licence to ride in races to be suspended for a period to expire on Monday, 6 August 2012 on which day he may resume riding in races.
The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Sunday, 15 July 2012.