Neil Callan free to ride next month after Hong Kong suspension is cut on appeal

Former leading British jockey Neil Callan has won his appeal in Hong Kong against the harshness of a ban that was set to keep him out of action until mid-July.

Callan, who has ridden in Hong Kong for the last decade, was adjudged by the local licensing committee this month to have been disrespectful during a stewards' inquiry into his alleged careless riding at Happy Valley in February.

The committee suspended his licence until the end of the Hong Kong season on July 14, which meant he was unable to ride in any jurisdiction until that date.

Callan, 42, appealed against the severity of the ban, which covered 28 meetings, and it was reduced to 15 fixtures on Thursday meaning he will be able to ride at the last 13 meetings of the season, starting at Sha Tin on May 30.

In a statement, the Hong Kong Jockey Club said: "The appeal panel carefully considered all the evidence taken in this case together with the further statements made at the hearing today.

"The panel allowed the appeal and adjusted the period of suspension so that it will now expire on May 27, 2021, on which day he may resume riding. The panel further ordered the appeal deposit be refunded."

Callan has ridden 276 winners in Hong Kong and his 21 victories this season put him in 11th place in the jockeys' table.

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