IPOH,  10 September 2006

A day after James Keating was disqualified for one year, the Stewards has taken tough action against another jockey.

Bretham Tai was disqualified 18 months when the Stewards concluded an inquiry into his handling of LONG SOCKS which finished a smack-up fourth to MAIN POWER in the Class 4, Div 2 - 1600m handicap here yesterday.

Tai was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 144(2) in that whilst riding LONG SOCKS yesterday, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that LONG SOCKS was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best possible placing.

The particulars of the charge were:

1. Shortly after the start, he elected to take LONG SOCKS to the rear of the field, contrary to his instructions which were to race midfield; and

2. In the home straight whilst LONG SOCKS was running on strongly, he failed to use his discretion to secure a clear run on the inside of SOVEREIGN EXPRESS when there was ample room and there were several opportunities to do so. Instead in the closing stages of the race, he checked his mount and switched to the outside of SOVEREIGN EXPRESS resulting in his horse being baulked for a run at a crucial stage of the race.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account Tai’s previous record, and after considering the provisions of MRA Rule 144(5), Tai was disqualified from riding in races for a period of eighteen months with immediate effect from today and will expire on 9 March 2008. In addition, he was also fined RM30,000 and advised of his right of appeal.

Tai subsequently exercised his right of appeal. An application for a stay of sentence was not granted (1:20pm). Subsequently, Tai exercised his right of appeal to the Racing Stewards against the Stipendiary Stewards’ decision not to grant a stay. The Racing Stewards heard the appeal which was dismissed and a stay was not granted. However, his deposit was refunded.

The Appeal against the disqualification of eighteen months and fine of RM30,000 will be held on a date to be fixed.