Trainer Hoy Kee Poh was suspended six months when the Stewards concluded an inquiry in respect of his training activities yesterday.

Hoy was formally found guilty of the charge under MRA Rule 45(d) that was preferred against him on 6 September 2004. Further, the Stewards heard submissions from Hoy in respect of penalty.

The Stewards took into account Hoy’s plea of guilt, the contrition he had displayed during the course of the inquiry, including the full and frank admissions that he had provided. Also, the Stewards were mindful of Hoy’s very good record in respect of being licenced by the Malayan Racing Association for some 22 years and his significant financial investment in the racing industry.

In all the circumstances of this case, Hoy’s licence to train was suspended for a period of six months with immediate effect. He was advised that he has three weeks in which to finalise his training operations.

On 6 September 2004, Hoy pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 45(d) in that he, a licenced trainer with the Malayan Racing Association, did between 1 May 2004 and 28 June 2004 acted in the capacity as an assistant to Innes, not being a holder of a trainer’s licence, whom he (Hoy) permitted to train the racehorses KUALA DIPANG, JERAM, JERAM MAS, GOLDEN ENERGY, KISS OF DRAGON, WONDERFUL DRAGON, CITY EMPEROR, POWER HERO, JERAM FIGHTER, POWER OF GOLD and GOLDEN HUNTER at the Perak Turf Club when these horses were at all material times under his charge.)

Innes pleaded not guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 45(a) in that he, a licenced track work rider not being a holder of a trainer’s licence issued by the Malayan Racing Association, did between 1 May 2004 and 28 June 2004, train the above-mentioned racehorses at the Perak Turf Club when these horses were at all material times under the charge of Hoy.

Innes subsequently requested an adjournment to provide further evidence and witnesses, to which the Stewards acceded. However, approximately one hour later, Innes advised the Stewards that he no longer wished to call any witnesses and sought permission from the Stewards to proceed with the matter. Innes’s request was granted and as Hoy had returned to Ipoh, his case will be reconvened at a date to be fixed. Innes was subsequently found guilty of the charge and in considering penalty the Stewards took into account the seriousness of the offence and disqualified him for a period of one year with immediate effect.