Fairway's Turf Online

Apprentice Liew suspended four months

IPOH: Feb 21, 2013

Apprentice Liew Seng Cheong was on Tuesday handed a four-month suspension and fined RM20,000 for his handling of TANHA STRIKE in a Class 3 - 1400m handicap at Sungei Besi on Feb 12.

TANHA STRIKE (Octagonal - Crave by Grand Lodge), trained by Stephen Cook, started at long odds and finished fifth to another outsider SNOW FLAME.

The Stewards concluded an inquiry into the above matter on Tuesday. Further evidence was taken from Liew, the rider of TANHA STRIKE, in the presence of his master, trainer Tony Yeoh.

Liew 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. The Stewards were not satisfied that from the 800m to the 400m, he made any effort to move in and not be unnecessary wide which resulted in TANHA STRIKE racing wider than it should; and

2. The Stewards were not satisfied that his use of the whip in the straight was genuine.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Liew’s points of mitigation and his record. Acting on the provisions of MRA Rule 48(5), the Stewards deferred the commencement of Liew’s suspension. He was suspended from riding in races for a period of four months with effect from Monday, Feb 25 and Jun 24, both dates inclusive. In addition, he was also fined RM20,000 and was advised of his right of appeal.