Ho, 41, submitted a letter to the Penang Turf Club - where he is based - last week stating that he will be giving up his stables and go on a six-month holiday.

"I've applied for a six-month leave from the MRA last Thursday. I've really enjoyed my stay here during the last five years. I'm just taking a break. The Kuala Lumpur Meeting next month will be my last meeting," Singaporean Ho told the press.

Trainers already on the sidelines this year are Yashaiya Ahmad, Bonny Ng, Jimmy Lam Mun Chiew and John Brink. Ng took his six-month break in mid-2004 and appears to be on extended leave.

Meanwhile, Ipoh based Loh Kit Soon relinquished his licence last month ahead of an inquiry which eventually found him guilty of three charges and disqualified 12 months.

Indications are more trainers will be taking a break, and it could be largely due to Malayan Racing Association (MRA) Rule 230 which was amended in January this year.

Rule 230 states: "No trainer shall, have charge of or have in his stable or at a spelling station less than an average of 20 horses a month over a period of one year."

"The ruling has somewhat affected the livelihood of many trainers," American-trained Ho said.