Victorian racing authorities have baulked at making a decision about Chris Munce riding in the state until such time as he applies to be licensed.The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) sought advice on Racing Victoria Limited's (RVL) position in relation to the reciprocation of the penalties recently imposed on Munce by HKJC stewards.In a statement released on Wednesday, RVL said it supported reciprocity in principle but there were "complex legal issues" that needed to be addressed concerning the rele
Victorian racing authorities have baulked at making a decision about Chris Munce riding in the state until such time as he applies to be licensed.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) sought advice on Racing Victoria Limited's (RVL) position in relation to the reciprocation of the penalties recently imposed on Munce by HKJC stewards.
In a statement released on Wednesday, RVL said it supported reciprocity in principle but there were "complex legal issues" that needed to be addressed concerning the relevant section of the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering which seeks to give effect to the reciprocity.
"RVL supports the principle of the reciprocal application of penalties imposed by foreign horse racing authorities, subject to the rules of natural justice being afforded to the affected person by the domestic racing authority," the statement said.,
Article 10(III) of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities' International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering seeks to give effect to the reciprocity principle.
"(Preliminary legal) advice indicates there are complex legal issues associated with the operation of this Article," RVL said.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club suspended Munce until September 2009 after he was found guilty of 36 charges in relation to the tips-for-bets scandal for which he served a 20 month jail term in Hong Kong and Australia.
Munce resumes riding at Randwick on Friday after Racing NSW decided not to uphold the Hong Kong ruling.
Munce is yet to lodge an application to ride in Victoria and RVL will deal with the matter as a matter of course.
"Should RVL receive a licence application from Mr Munce, the matter will be dealt with by the RVL Board by way of a process that accords procedural fairness to Mr Munce," said the RVL statement.
"RVL cannot pre-empt the outcome of any potential application, and accordingly, it is inappropriate for RVL to make any further comment on this matter."