Jockey Marzuki Sani yesterday failed in his appeal against a 18-month disqualification imposed the Stipendiary Stewards over his handling of WANKO in a Class 3 - 1,600m handicap at Sungei Besi on December 5, 2004.

The Selangor Turf Club Racing Stewards heard the appeal during which evidence was taken from Chief Stipendiary Steward Philip Dingwell, Marzuki and his counsel.

After consideration, the appeal was dismissed, however, the penalty was reduced to 12 months disqualification effective from March 3, 2005. Marzuki's deposit was refunded.

On December 18, 2004, Marzuki was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 144(2) that was levelled against him on for failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that his horse was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best possible placing.

The particulars being:

1. whilst in a handy position in the early stages, he failed between about the 1300m and the 1100m to attempt to maintain that position inside of SKY SHYSTER where it was reasonable and permissible for him to have remained. Such failure resulted in SKY SHYSTER crossing him after the 1100m and taking his running, thereby losing an advantageous position;

2. that between the 1000m and 850m, he again failed to attempt to maintain his position inside of SAFE DEPOSIT where it was reasonable and permissible for him to have remained. Such failure resulted in SAFE DEPOSIT crossing him near the 800m and taking up his position, thus resulting in WANKO losing additional ground and racing further back than was necessary; and