IPOH:  Oct 15, 2010

Jockeys A Kumarentheran and Lim Hock Kheng were both handed three-month suspensions at the conclusion of two separate inquiries today.

Kumarentheran was hauled up for his handling of SIR ED in a Class 5 - 1200m sprint for home based horses in Ipoh on Oct 2. SIR ED, who started second favourite, finished fourth to HONEST MAN.

At the inquiry here today, evidence was taken from Kumarentheran, the rider of SIR ED, and trainer Evert van Breukelen.

Kumarentheran 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. Between the 1100m to the 800m, he failed to allow his mount to improve to race behind BUSHRANGE when there was an opportunity to do so when a gap presented itself between I CARE and BLACK SAPPHIRE;

2. From the 350m to the 250m, he elected to race behind COME NEAR ME where there was, at all material times, clear running on either side of that runner.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the facts of this case, Kumarentheran’s points of mitigation and his record. Kumarentheran was suspended from riding in races for a period of three months with effect from Oct 17 to Jan 16, both days inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.

Lim was charged for his handling of WHITE LIGHTNING who finished seventh to STAR FIRE in a Class 4 - 1200m handicap at Sungei Besi last Saturday.

At the conclusion of an Inquiry today, evidence was taken from Lim, the rider of WHITE LIGHTNING, and trainer Dr SH Tan.

Lim 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 between the 400m to the 250m mark, he failed to ride WHITE LIGHTNING out to the satisfaction of the Stewards.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the facts of this case, Lim’s points of mitigation and his record. Lim was suspended from riding in races for a period of three months with effect from Sunday to Jan 16. He was advised of his right of appeal.