IPOH,  11 September 2006

Jockey Kelvin Oh has won an appeal against a 18-month disqualification.

The Stipendiary Stewards hauled up Oh after he rode COURAGEOUS GENERAL to last placing in a Maiden - 1400m handicap at Ipoh on May 12.

At the conclusion of an inquiry on June 27, Oh was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 144(2) in that whilst riding COURAGEOUS GENERAL, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that COURAGEOUS GENERAL was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best possible placing.

The particulars of the charge were that after a good jump at the start and whilst traveling well on the bit in second place, he restrained COURAGEOUS GENERAL unnecessarily from about the 1300m to the 700m mark, thereby losing considerable ground, taking his horse back to the rear of the field and putting his horse at a disadvantage by the time he entered the home straight.

After considering the provisions of MRA Rule 144(5), Oh was disqualified from riding in races for a period of eighteen months.

Oh subsequently exercised his right of appeal and applied for a stay of sentence, which was granted.

The Perak Turf Club Racing Stewards heard the appeal today and after considering submissions from Oh, his Counsel and the Chief Stipendiary Steward, and after considering all the evidence, the appeal was allowed. Oh, however, was given a severe reprimand and his deposit was refunded.