Childs must fork out 300,000 Hong Kong dollars (�25,000), the largest penalty to be imposed on a jockey in the country.

Childs was punished after he reportedly told fellow rider Justin Sheehan about the tactics he would employ before the race.

Childs, 38, won the �850,000 race two weeks ago on Sunline.

The Jockey Club's race meeting steward found him guilty of engaging in conduct prejudicial to the good reputation of horse racing in Hong Kong.

Although Childs pleaded not guilty, director of racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said the position was clear.

"There can be no discussion of race tactics prior to any race." he told the South China Morning Post.

"The reputation of our racing is our most valuabe asset."

The inquiry resulted from post-race comments made by Childs to Australia's Sydney Morning Herald journalist Darren Prendergast.

He was quoted as saying to Sheehan: "Look, we can't cut each other's throat and challenge for the lead" and "I just told him to follow me".

Unclear

The steward's report found Childs guilty of two breaches of the Rules of Racing.

Childs, whose cut of the winning purse was �50,000, has maintained he did not make the remarks as quoted.

The Sydney Morning Herald stands by the quotes.

But the newspaper issued a clarification, saying there was no suggestion of a race plan between Childs and Sheehan, who finished third in the race on Adam.