October 31 - The once highly-respected 39-year-old Australian jockey, Chris Munce, was freed today from Silverwater Prison in Sydney after completing a prison sentence he received after being arrested and found guilty of accepting money for tips while he was based in Hong Kong a few years ago.

Munce was arrested in Hong Kong in July 2006 by local anti-corruption officials who were investigating the Australian national for accepting money for tips on the horses he was being employed to ride. Upon his arrest, officials found HK$250,000 in cash on Munce along with notes related to tips he was selling.

The 1998 Melbourne Cup winner was sent to prison in Hong Kong in March last year. In September last year he was transferred to Silverwater Prison as part of an extradition agreement initiated by the Australian government. After he was released today, Munce made a statement at Randwick Racecourse.

In it he expressed his wish to be reunited with his wife and children as well as resume his professional horse racing career. 'My wife Cathy has been a tower of strength for me and our three children. She is without a doubt a remarkable woman and has been my inspiration throughout my ordeal,' he said.

'I could not be prouder of my children than I am today with the way they have remained focused and have dealt with the situation. Once I have spent a good deal of quality time with my wife and kids, I will be keen to continue my career as a leading jockey and get back to winning races,' he explained.

As one of Munce's greatest supporters throughout his ordeal, top Australian trainer Gai Waterhouse is reportedly eager to put the talented jockey back to work. The jockey last delivered victories for Waterhouse in the Salinger Stakes (Gr 1) on Dance Hero and Mackinnon Stakes (Gr 1) on Desert War.

While he has done his time, Hong Kong racing authorities are reportedly still eager to conduct an inquiry into the 2006 money for tips scandal. As such, Munce has agreed to give evidence via a video link from the offices of Racing NSW on Monday next week, but is not expected to return to Hong Kong in person.

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2012/04/02 09:27:50 PM