Ler disqualified one year

KUALA LUMPUR,  26 September 2003

Kuala Lumpur-based trainer Ler Hock Hai has been disqualified 12 months at the conclusion of an inquiry by the Stipendiary Stewards in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday into a report that racehorse HAN ISTANA was in poor condition.

The Stewards took evidence from Singaporean Ler, stable supervisor Chong Kwok Foo, syce Mohamed Hamudin, Selangir Turf Club veterinary surgeon Dr Aratsu and jockey Martin Wepner (via tele-conferencing).

Ler, trainer of HAN ISTANA, was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 200(7) in that he negligently failed to provide adequate care for the horse.

Ler was disqualified for a period of 12 months until 24 September 2004 with immediate effect. He was given seven days to finalise his affairs.

Ler’s application for a stay of proceedings against the decision of the Stewards to disqualify him was rejected.

Owned by Han Emperor Stable, HAN ISTANA has notched three wins in 29 starts but his last win was in September 2001 and has not raced since February this year.

According to a spokesman for the stable, HAN ISTANA and IDEAL LAD will be moved back to Penang where they were originally trained.