Brazilian jockey Jose De Souza was today handed a four-month suspension and fined RM50,000 for his handling of SPEED HORSE in a Class 5 - 1200m handicap at Sungei Besi here yesterday.

SPEED HORSE (Desert Fox - Gain by Truly Vain), trained by Tommy Noordin, finished fourth to DOUBLE DARE.

At the Selangor Turf Club today, the Stewards concluded an inquiry into the running and handling of SPEED HORSE. Evidence was taken from De Souza and Noordin. Trainer Aditiyan Selvaratnam assisted in this inquiry.

De Souza, the rider of SPEED HORSE, pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(10) for failing to ride to the satisfaction of the Stewards. The particulars of the charge were that:

1. Approaching the 200m to about the 100m mark, he failed to ride his mount with sufficient vigour to the satisfaction of the Stewards; and

2. From about the 100m until passing the 50m mark, he sat quietly on his mount for a number of strides whilst his mount was running on.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the facts of this case, De Souza’s points of mitigation and his record. De Souza was suspended from riding in races for a period of four months with immediate effect from today and to April 4, both days inclusive. He was also fined the sum of RM50,000 and advised of his right of appeal.

De Souza subsequently exercised his right of appeal against the sentence and penalty, and applied for a stay of sentence.

The Stewards heard the application for a stay of sentence today and evidence was taken from De Souza.