Grant Cooksley, who was granted a MRA licence to ride in Malaysia for the second half of the season, has been suspended two months for his handling of SCENIC SEA at Penang on September 4, the first day of the Penang Sprint Trophy meeting.

On that day, SCENIC SEA (4 b.a.g Scenic - Sea Pines by Godswalk) came from well off the pace to finish fifth to REVERED in the Class 5, Div 2 - 1,200m sprint.

The Stewards on Friday concluded an inquiry in respect of the riding tactics adopted by Cooksley. Evidence was taken from Cooksley, trainer Evelyn Seet and registered manager/owner of TY Stable, Sia Oh Bong.

Cooksley was found guilty of a charge of failing to ride to the satisfaction of the Stewards under MRA Rule 49(a)(iii) in that approaching and for some distance after passing the 1000m, he failed to attempt to maintain his position whilst racing with satisfactory room to the inside of NON NEGOTIABLE. This resulted in his mount racing further back than was necessary.

Cooksley was suspended for a period of two months to commence today. In assessing this penalty, the Stewards took into account that he had been riding for approximately 30 years at the highest level and had never been penalised for a breach of a similar rule. Further the Stewards were mindful of the forthrightness in which Cooksley had presented his case.

The explanation tendered by E Seet was recorded. The managing owner Sia Oh Bong stated that he had significantly supported SCENIC SEA whilst attending the Selangor Turf Club off-course meeting on the day in question.