The stewards inquired into trainer Velu having failed to comply with the orders of a stipendiary steward of the Malayan Racing Association (MRA) on 5 November 2003.

Velu was found guilty of two charges under MRA Rule 53 (b) (ii) in that:

(i) At approximately 1.30pm on 5 November 2003, he disobeyed an order issued to him by stipendiary steward Louis Lawrence to remain at the office of the MRA as a witness to the sealing of the items seized from his stable on the morning of 5 November 2003.

(ii) He failed to comply with an order from stipendiary steward Lawrence issued to him at approximately 2.30pm on the same day to return to the offices of the MRA.

After considering all the evidence, the stewards disqualified Velu for a period of one year on each count and ordered the disqualifications be served consecutively.

Velu, 57, has filed an appeal.

On 5 November 2003, the Stipendiary Stewards, led by Chief Stipendiary Steward Philip Dingwall, conducted routine inspection of stables had seized several items from the Velu’s office situated within the stables of the Selangor Turf Club. These have been sent to an independent laboratory for test.

The following day, Velu’s assistant trainer Lim Kheng Chong was slapped a 12-month disqualification for failing to present himself to the officers of the Malayan Racing Association (MRA).