Harry Bentley is a renowned British jockey, having made his name particularly in Qatar. Bentley has been riding professionally for more than a decade now and has won several big competitions including the 2016 July Cup. However, in an unfortunate turn of events that shook the horse racing world, Bentley was charged with improper conduct by Hong Kong Jockey Club Stewards.
Harry Bentley has vast international experience, in France, Germany, Canada, the USA, UAE, and latest being Hong Kong. The British jockey suffered a crucial blow to his illustrious career now, after HJKC charged him for improper conduct. Though Bentley pleaded guilty, the final decision didn’t go in his favor, and he got awarded a ban as well as a fine.
Harry Bentley faces a 2-month suspension
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Harry Bentley has two Grade 1 victories to his name, and both of these big victories came aboard Limato. He has been exceptional throughout his career, be it in the UAE or the USA. After Bentley moved to Hong Kong in 2021, his debut went smoothly, and later won the Class 1 Sha Tin Mile Trophy. However, he hasn’t had any significant success after that and now the ban makes things worse for him.
Bentley was blocked from all kinds of racing from November 3 owing to the charges against him. Although the 31-year-old equestrian pleaded guilty, his request wasn’t accepted. In a statement released today, HJKC announced that Bentley has been awarded a complete ban from racing for two months with effect from 3 November. The 2-month ban will end on January 3, 2024. Additionally, he was fined over $35k as well.
Bentley was charged for ‘improper conduct’. According to Stewards, he had passed on information about the horses to a person who wasn’t associated with the horse in any way. The two had agreed that Bentley would be paid, however, he never received a penny. This is a crucial setback in the British jockey’s illustrious career. Can he redeem himself back to his Qatar form?
Bentley and Qatar-A perfect combination
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Henry Bentley has ridden over 1000 winners from all parts of the world. He started his career as an apprentice to Gary Moore at the age of 16 and later carved out his career beautifully after his first victory in 2010. Though he rode in the USA as well, Bentley rose to the international arena in UAE after becoming the second retained rider to Qatar Racing.
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The 31-year-old got the stage and support to prove his talent, and so he did. Bentley won the QAT G1 Qatar Derby in 2013, followed by the QAT G1 Qatar Gold Cup in 2014. 2014 marked his most prolific year. In addition to the Golf Cup, Bentley rode at Doha’s Qatar Racing in the same season and was crowned as Qatar’s Champion Jockey. He later went on to retain the crown for 6 consecutive years till 2019.
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In addition to his exemplary glory in Qatar, Bentley’s two most significant victories include the July Cup 2016 and Prix de La Foret 2016. Cementing his legacy in Qatar, Bentley decided to try his luck in Hong Kong in 2021. He has managed five victories from his 134 rides till now and will hope to add more to his name after the ban ends in early January next year.
