Kumaran, who is the syce of the James Brogan-trained MDNIA, was found guilty under MRA Rule 200(7) in that he did on or about 8.30pm on Nov 14, 2003 at the stables of trainer Brogan prior to the race, wilfully tamper with and to administer a substance not being a feed to MDNIA with the intention of doping the horse. He was disqualified three years and fined RM50,000.

He also pleaded guilty to a further charge under MRA Rule 200(2) in that he did prior to the race corruptly accept a bribe from Thanaselvan Rajagobal to maintain a bail posted by him earlier for his release in relation to a charge for the possession of cannabis and after the race, a sum of RM200 in consideration for him to administer a substance not being a feed to MDNIA for the purpose of doping the horse. He was disqualified three years and fined RM50,000. The stewards ruled that both penalties to be served consecutively.

In a related incident, Thanaselvan was disqualified three years and fined RM50,000 under MRA Rule 200(1) in that he corruptly gave Kumaran a bribe, to wit, to maintain a bail posted by him earlier for the release of Kumaran in relation to a charge for the possession of cannabis and after the race a sum of RM200 for consideration by him to administer the substance not being a feed to MDNIA.

Trainer Brogan was charged under MRA Rule 203(b) in that he presented MDNIA which took part and finished second in Race 11 on Nov 16 and subsequently the gelding’s urine sample upon analysis disclosed the present of a prohibited substance Phenylpropanolamine and Chlorpheniramine.

After giving consideration to all the circumstances of the case, the Stewards were of the view that the appropriate penalty was that a reprimand be recorded against Brogan.