HIGH-FLYING jockey Matthew Chadwick, his girlfriend and a Hong Kong Jockey Club farrier were granted police bail early yesterday after being arrested in connection with two assault cases.

CLIFFORD LO reports for the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST that Chadwick, 22, was accused of assaulting the driver of a private bus and breaking the window in its door during an incident on On Chun Street, Ma On Shan, at about 6.15pm on Monday.

Chadwick's 20-year-old girlfriend, Wai Man-kuen, was arrested on suspicion of obstructing police in their execution of duty.

The 47-year-old farrier, Haitze Wiersma, was arrested for biting and assaulting two passengers of the vehicle in a separate incident.

Chadwick, who has ridden 51 winners this season and is third in the jockeys' championship, told the South China Morning Post last night he had been instructed not to make any comment.

Jockey Club officials were also tight-lipped about how they would handle the case, other than confirming that a jockey had been arrested in connection with a common assault and criminal damage case.

Chief stipendiary steward Kim Kelly said he would wait for a thorough investigation before considering any further action.

"I am awaiting a report from the security investigation department on a matter possibly involving a jockey licensed by the club," he said. "Beyond that, I can make no comment."

The incident occurred after about 20 Jockey Club staff and their friends chartered the bus to take them from Sai Kung to Sha Tin racecourse on Monday.

A dispute between Chadwick and the 32-year-old driver erupted when the vehicle drove past his home in Lake Silver and reached On Chun Street. He demanded he be driven back.

"The suspect allegedly assaulted the driver," a police investigator said. "He was accused of punching and breaking the door window of the vehicle."

Chadwick's girlfriend was arrested when she allegedly tried to stop officers arresting him. The 47-year-old farrier was accused of biting and assaulting another two passengers as they were leaving the bus.

The trio were released on bail. They must report to the police next week.

 

STORY SOURCE: SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST