Egan keeps licence after hearing

Egan was arrested in February on race-fixing charges

Irish-born jockey John Egan has been cleared to continue riding in Britain by the Jockey Club.

Egan attended a meeting of the licensing committee at Portman Square in London on Wednesday, where an arrest warrant against Egan in Hong Kong was considered.

But the committee allowed Egan to continue riding in Britain, pending further investigations.

Egan's solicitor Christopher Stewart-Moore said: "Having heard all the evidence, the committee has decided not to suspend John's licence."

The jockey has headed straight to Lingfield for his one booked ride.

Egan had been urged to return to Hong Kong on 30 June to answer allegations that he accepted favours in return for racing information.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club said in a statement that it was not going to comment on the charges.

Hong Kong jockeys banned

It added: "However, the Jockey Club strongly urges jockey Egan to respond to the arrest warrant and return to Hong Kong in accordance with the conditions originally set by the court.

"The court has directed Egan to return to Hong Kong by 30 June.

"We believe that jockey Egan should have complied with the court directive and failing this must now respond to this arrest warrant.

"The Jockey Club has also been advised that the Department of Justice has not yet completed its legal review concerning Robbie Fradd's case.

Released after two days

"We hope that a decision will be made as soon as possible."

Egan and South African Fradd, a former champion jockey in Hong Kong, were arrested by the ICAC in February as part of an investigation into alleged race-fixing and illegal bookmaking.

They were put in jail and released after two days. A total of 21 people were detained for questioning.

Egan and Fradd were suspended by the HKJC but were free to ride anywhere else in the world. Egan returned to Britain where he has ridden 13 winners so far this season.

"The matter is in the hands of my lawyers and I can't really comment at the moment, only to say that I was never actually on police bail as I refused it," said Egan.