Isaac Heeney resurfaces at Happy Valley in Hong Kong for rare public appearance since alleged Pullman hotel scandal

Isaac Heeney has made a rare public appearance in Hong Kong, spotted celebrating an Australian win at Happy Valley racecourse.

The Sydney Swans star has stayed out of the spotlight since the alleged Pullman hotel scandal in August.

He was briefly seen at the AFL club’s headquarters in late September and issued a short statement after addressing teammates.

“It was really nice to address the whole club,” Heeney said.

“I’m just really thankful they could give us their time and understanding. It was really good.”

The 30-year-old went to ground again afterwards, opting not to attend the club’s best and fairest awards night.

But he has now resurfaced overseas at the races.

Heeney posed with Australian jockey Zac Purton and others after Brownneedsfurther, a $5.90 chance, won the 1200m Race 3 at Happy Valley.

Brownneedsfurther, a five-year-old gelding prepared by famed Makybe Diva trainer David Hall, won by half a length.

Heeney is in his off-season after serving a suspension for a “serious breach of expected club behaviour and standards”.

The AFL-endorsed ban, also handed down to teammates Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice, was separate to an ongoing police investigation into an alleged sexual assault at the Pullman.

No charges have been laid. 7NEWS is not suggesting any wrongdoing.

Heeney counted a severe cost beyond missing Sydney’s finals campaign as several sponsors swiftly distanced themselves.

Publisher Allen & Unwin also put his children’s book deal on hold.

“Allen & Unwin is aware of reports relating to Isaac Heeney and a Victoria Police investigation, and that his employer has exercised sanctions under club policy and terms of his employment,” the company said in a statement in August.

“We view this matter seriously and believe that the women involved deserve respect and support.

“We have paused promotion of his two books and the publication of his third book, while the police investigation is under way.

“We are unable to comment further while the matter is in the hands of the police.”

Leading dental brand Colgate suspended a lucrative sponsorship deal with Heeney.

Telstra also announced that Heeney and Warner would not be a part of any promotional activity while the police investigation is ongoing.

Nike also paused their sponsorship deal with the players involved.

“While the investigation remains ongoing, Nike has paused its relationships with the Nike-contracted athletes involved and will continue to monitor developments closely,” a spokesperson said.