Sunday, February 17, 2008

Asian Stipe's zero tolorence policy claims 3 "scalps" this month

In what can only be described as a "take no prisoners" approach from the Asian racing clubs the following suspensions have been handed down by them so far this month,this get tough strategy is sure to rid their racing of incompetent race riding and any skulduggery that may rear it's ugly head,our local stipendary board could do a lot worse than take a leaf from the book of their Asian counterparts.
Jockey P Vellaikannu was last Saturday suspended two months for his handling of SPEED LION in a Class 5, Div 1 - 2000m handicap in Penang on Jan 26. SPEED LION (Blackfriars - Baroota Wonder by Chief's Crown) beat one home after having finished second the previous start in December. At the conclusion of an inquiry last Friday, after taking evidence from trainer MC Lam and reviewing the films, Vellaikannu, the rider of SPEED LION, pleaded guilty to a charge of incompetent riding under MRA Rule 44(9)(e) in that whilst riding SPEED LION in the above race, he failed to demonstrate a standard of riding expertise and judgement of a reasonably competent rider by settling his mount too far back in a slow run race. Vellaikannu was suspended from riding in races for a period of two months with effect from Feb 1 to expire on Mar 31, both days inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.
Jockey Lee Soo Hin has failed in his appeal against a one-year disqualification for his handling of MANY MANY in a Class 5, Div 1 - 1100m sprint over the straight course here on Aug 12. MANY MANY (4 b.nz.g Jahafil - Klein by War Hawk II) finished fourth to ZOHAR in that event. At the conclusion of an inquiry on Aug 31, after taking evidence from trainer Evert van Breukelen and jockey Ismadi Ismail, and reviewing the films, Lee was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) in that whist riding MANY MANY in the above-mentioned race, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that MANY MANY was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best possible placing. The particulars of the charge were that:1. From approximately the 1000m mark to about the 600m mark when MANY MANY was traveling well on the bit, Jockey SH Lee restrained his mount and dropped back towards the rear of the field, further back than was necessary which was also contrary to his Trainer’s instructions, which were to race midfield; 2. At approximately the 350m mark when an opening developed on the inside of NICE CAT, whilst in clear running, he restrained MANY MANY for no apparent reason until about the 250m mark;3. Thereafter at approximately the 150M mark, whilst in clear running, he again steadied MANY MANY for no apparent reason. Thereafter MANY MANY raced on well to the finish with too much work to do. When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account Lee’s previous clean record. After considering the provisions of MRA Rule 44(8)(a), Lee was disqualified for a period of one year.Lee subsequently exercised his right of appeal against the decision and penalty, and applied for a stay of sentence, which was granted. The Perak Turf Club Racing Stewards heard the appeal today.After considering submissions from Lee, his counsel, the Stipendiary Stewards, and after considering evidence from Dr Alistair Murdoch, Senior Veterinary Surgeon of the Perak Turf Club and Trainer Evert van Breukelen, the Racing Stewards dismissed the appeal and the one year disqualification was confirmed to commence with effect from today and to expire on Feb 12, 2009, both days inclusive. Lee’s deposit was forfeited.
Jockey Leong Kah Wah was today disqualified one year at the conclusion of an inquiry into the running and handling of VICTORY MELANG in the Class 5, Div 5 - 1400m handicap yesterday. VICTORY MELANG, ridden by Leong and trained by K H Ng, trailed all the way in 14th place. After taking evidence from trainer Ng, and reviewing the films, jockey Leong pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) in that whist riding VICTORY MELANG in the above race, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that VICTORY MELANG was given full opportunity of obtaining the best possible placing. The particulars of the charge were that:1. After jumping on terms in his field, he continually restrained his mount by jerking back on the reins instead of urging his mount forward to race in a midfield position as instructed. This resulted in his mount being placed in the rear of the field where it could not race to its best advantage; and 2. He continually restrained his mount down the back straight and around the turn in the same manner.When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account the facts of this case, Leong’s guilty plea, his points of mitigation and his previous record. After considering the provisions of MRA Rule 44(8)(a), Leong was disqualified for a period of one year with immediate effect from today and to expire on Feb 16, 2009, both days inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal against the penalty.Trainer Ng was warned that under similar circumstances in future, he would be expected to approach the Stewards should he have any concern or query with any jockey’s ride on one of his horses.
The Big G
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