New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has slated the decision of Racing New South Wales to allow Chris Munce to return to race riding, but have not ruled out a similar decision regarding New Zealand.
"Our position as one of supporting reciprocation of penalties, unless there are special conditions required by the laws of natural justice," Guy Sargent, the chairman of NZTR, said in a supplied statement.
"NZTR firmly believes that the decision by Racing NSW not to reciprocate a disqualification handed down by the Hong Kong Jockey Club will negatively impact on the level of co-operation between major racing jurisdictions to uphold the integrity of and public confidence in horse racing"
"It is not possible to determine whether any application for a licence to ride in New Zealand would be granted until the application was received."
Munce spent 20 months in jail in Hong Kong and Australia after being found guilty by a Hong Kong court of tipping horses he was riding in exchange for money.
He was released from a Sydney jail on October 30 and subsequently pleaded guilty to 36 charges laid by the HKJC.
Racing NSW reciprocated the penalties given in 35 of the charges, and said the time had already been served.
It decided not to reciprocate the 30-month disqualification relating to the 36th charge because the penalty was tied to a breach of the criminal code of Hong Kong that does not exist under Australian law.
Munce was re-licensed by Racing NSW on Wednesday.
