SINGAPORE,  18 Jan 2010

Apprentice Mohd Affandi bin Taib was yesterday disqualified one year for his handling of REPORT FOR DUTY in a Class 4, Div 1 - 1200m sprint at Kranji on Jan 8.

Outsider REPORT FOR DUTY (Conatus - Dasanction by Sanction) finished third to ABEYANT in his debut.

The Inquiry into the running and riding of REPORT FOR DUTY was concluded yesterday. Affandi, the rider of REPORT FOR DUTY, in the presence of his master, trainer Steven Burridge, was found guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) for failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to obtain the best possible placing. The particulars of the charge are:

1. that between the 500m and the 400m, he failed to ride with sufficient vigour to improve and establish a position between CASH HUNTER (App M Ewe) and SAHORO (I Andy) when there was ample opportunity and it was reasonable to do so; and
2. that over the final 100m, he failed to ride with sufficient vigour when there was a run between RUM RUNNER (O Placais) and SAHORO.

Affandi was disqualified for a period of one year with immediate effect from yesterday to Jan 17, 2011 and was advised of his right of appeal.

Affandi subsequently exercised his right of appeal against the decision of the Stipendiary Stewards and the penalty imposed on him. On application, he was granted a stay of sentence.