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Australian jockey James
Keating has been disqualified one year for his handling of POPULAR in Class
5, Div 3 sprint over the 1100m straight course in Ipoh on July 23.
POPULAR, trained by Hoy Kee Poh, finished 10th, but was just a little over
three lengths from the winner DANCE RITUAL in that event.
The Stewards had on July 30, after considering the evidence and after
deliberation, charged Keating under MRA Rule 144(2) in that whist riding
POPULAR, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure
that POPULAR was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best
possible placing.
The particulars of the charge were that after a bad jump at the start and
whilst POPULAR was racing keenly, on the bit, he put this horse at a severe
disadvantage by restraining him unnecessarily, near the rear of the field
from about the 850m mark to about the 500m mark, which was also contrary to
his instructions which were to race just off the pace and close to the
leaders. Thereafter from about the 500m mark to the finish, he failed to
ride POPULAR with sufficient vigour and determination when there were
opportunities to do so.
Jockey Keating pleaded not guilty then and requested to call various
witnesses and the inquiry was adjourned.
At the conclusion of the inquiry today and after considering all the
evidence, Keating was found guilty of the charge under MRA Rule 144(2).
After considering the provisions of MRA Rule 144(5), he was disqualified
from riding in races for a period of one year with immediate effect from
today and to expire on Sept 8, 2007, both days inclusive. In addition, he
was also fined RM20,000 and advised of his right of appeal.
Keating subsequently exercised his right of appeal and on application, was
granted a stay of sentence. The appeal will be held on a date to be fixed.
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