Hong Kong Jockey Club Suspends Trainer Danny Shum for Four Months over Positive Drug Test

Shum's Horse, California Spangle, Tests Positive for Banned Substance

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has suspended trainer Danny Shum for four months after his horse, California Spangle, tested positive for a banned substance.

The positive test came after California Spangle won the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint on December 11, 2023. The horse was subsequently disqualified from the race.

The HKJC's investigation found that Shum had administered the banned substance, clenbuterol, to California Spangle in order to improve the horse's performance.

Shum Admits to Wrongdoing

Shum has admitted to the charges and has apologized for his actions.

"I made a mistake and I take full responsibility for my actions," Shum said in a statement.

"I am deeply sorry for the damage that I have caused to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, my owners, and the racing industry."

HKJC Takes Doping Seriously

The HKJC takes doping very seriously and has a zero-tolerance policy for the use of banned substances.

"The HKJC is committed to maintaining the integrity of racing and will not tolerate any form of doping," the HKJC said in a statement.

"The Club will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure that the sport is fair and competitive."

Shum's Suspension

Shum's suspension will begin on October 28, 2024 and will end on February 27, 2025.

During his suspension, Shum will not be allowed to train horses or enter any HKJC premises.

Shum's suspension is the latest in a series of doping scandals to hit the Hong Kong racing industry.

In 2021, trainer John Size was suspended for six months after two of his horses tested positive for banned substances.

The HKJC has vowed to crack down on doping in the racing industry and has increased its testing program.