Jockey Lee was today disqualified 18 months for his ride on ACE WONDER in a Class 4 - 1400m sprint here last Saturday, Feb 26.

Two-time winner ACE WONDER (Partners Choice - Cachet Amour by Family Ties) came from second last at the home bend to finish fifth to MONDAY NITE.

The Stewards concluded an inquiry into the running and handling of ACE WONDER today. Evidence was taken from Evert van Breukelen, the trainer of ACE WONDER and Lee, who was assisted by Ng Xin Yee, a certified court interpreter.

Lee was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) in that whilst riding ACE WONDER in the above race, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that ACE WONDER was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best possible placing.

The particulars of the charge were that:

1. After missing the start, he failed to make any attempt to improve his position to race midfield as per his instructions when there was an opportunity to do so behind FLYING HORSE;

2. Between the 900m to the 700m mark, he continuously steadied his mount, thereby losing ground when there was an opportunity for him to race behind IT’S ALL FATED and on the outside of KYOTO; and

3. Upon entering the home straight till the concluding stages of the race, he failed to ride his mount with sufficient vigour and determination whilst his horse was running on strongly.