Jockey T Asogan has been disqualified 18 months over his handling of KIM AARON in Ipoh on Oct 22.

The Marinus van Breukelen-trained KIM AARON finished 10th to HERE TO STAY in a Class 5, Div 2 - 1600m handicap and the Stewards opened an inquiry into Asogan's handling of the horse.

At the conclusion of the inquiry today, Asogan was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 144(2) in that whilst riding KIM AARON, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures in the home straight to ensure that his horse was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best possible placing.

The particulars of the charge were that shortly after entering the home straight, he restrained KIM AARON unnecessarily and in the home straight, between the 500m and 300m, he failed to improve his position on the inside when there was an opportunity to do so, and at about the 150m, he failed to look for a clear run which resulted in him being blocked for a run. Thereafter, after checking his mount in the closing stage of the race, from about the 50m, he failed to ride his horse out fully to the finish.

After considering the provisions of MRA Rule 144(5) and in view of his previous record, Asogan was disqualified from riding in races for a period of 18 months with immediate effect from today. He was advised of his right of appeal.