Three horses trained by Johnny Lim, including winners NATURE SPIRT and GORDON G, have been disqualified after rtheir post-race urine samples returned positive tests to prohibited substance.

NATURE SPIRIT won a Class 4 - 1300m handicap at Sungesi Besi on Jan 16 while GORDON G was first home in a Class 4 - 1200m handicap at Sungei Besi on Feb 9. Also returning positive test was DASHFUL who finished third in a Class 4 - 1300m event on Jan 16.

All their samples returned positive to "ibuprofen", a prohibited substance under MRA rules.

The Stewards concluded an inquiry into the above matter on Feb 23 at the Selangor Turf Club, and evidence was taken from Lim, the trainer of NATURE SPIRIT, DASHFUL and GORDON G, Dr Shri Kanth (Senior Veterinary Surgeon, SLTC), Prof Dr Tan Soo Choon (Chief Analyst, USAINS BIOMICS) and Ms Chan Sue Hay (Senior Analyst, USAINS BIOMICS).

Lim was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 134(6)(a) as read with MRA Rule 134(13) and punishable under MRA Rule 134(7) in that he was the trainer and person responsible for presenting and racing the horse NATURE SPIRIT which finished first in Race 4 on Jan 16 at the Selangor Turf Club, and its post-race urine sample subsequently returned positive to "Ibuprofen", a prohibited substance under MRA Rules.

Trainer BT Lim was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 134(6)(a) as read with MRA Rule 134(13) and punishable under MRA Rule 134(7) in that he was the trainer and person responsible for presenting and racing the horse DASHFUL which finished third in Race 8 on Jan 16 at the Selangor Turf Club, and its post-race urine sample subsequently returned positive to "Ibuprofen", a prohibited substance under MRA Rules.

Trainer BT Lim was also found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 134(6)(a) as read with MRA Rule 134(13) and punishable under MRA Rule 134(7) in that he was the trainer and person responsible for presenting and racing the horse GORDON G which finished first in Race 3 on Feb 9 at the Selangor Turf Club, and its post-race urine sample subsequently returned positive to "Ibuprofen", a prohibited substance under MRA Rules.

In assessing the penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Lim’s mitigating factors and previous record. Lim was fined RM10,000 for each charge (a total of RM30,000) and was advised of his right of appeal (11:50am).

In addition, in terms of MRA Rule 134(11), NATURE SPIRIT, DASHFUL and GORDON G were all disqualified from the races and the results amended accordingly.

Lim subsequently exercised his right of appeal. The appeal hearing will be held at a date to be fixed.

In Penang, MOONBEAM DAZZLER, who finished second in a Class 5 - 1100m on Jan 23, was also disqualified after the horse returned positive to "testosterone", a prohibited substance under the MRA Rules.

In addition, in terms of MRA Rule 134(11), MOONBEAM DAZZLER was disqualified from the above race and the results amended accordingly.