Spencer fined after altercation in Hong Kong

Jamie Spencer was fined Hong Kong $50,000 (€5,200) by the stewards at Sha Tin after being found guilty of misconduct after an altercation with fellow jockey Christophe Soumillon.

According to the stewards’ report on the official Hong Kong Jockey Club website, Spencer was said to have “grabbed Soumillon in the vicinity of the neck”.

Both jockeys are riding high on the international scene.

Irish-born Spencer starts next season as retained jockey to the powerful Aidan O’Brien stable at Ballydoyle while Soumillon has had a tremendous season in France winning the Prix du Jockey Club and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Dalakhani for the Aga Khan.

The incident happened in the jockeys’ room following the first race on Sunday’s international meeting card that featured the Hong Kong Cup won by Falbrav.

The stewards took into account “some provocation” from Soumillon towards Spencer “by way of a verbal comment at the barrier”.

Spencer pleaded guilty to the charge and the matter was quickly resolved with the two jockeys shaking hands.

Soumillon was advised “that whilst the stewards are aware verbal exchanges often occur between riders, on this occasion it was felt his comments were inappropriate”.

The Belgian-born jockey was given a warning regarding his conduct.

He was later banned for four Hong Kong race days (until January 2) for careless riding on Polish Summer in the Hong Kong Vase.