IPOH,  28 June 2006

Jockey Kelvin Oh has been disqualified eighteen months for his handling of COURAGEOUS GENERAL at Ipoh on May 12, 2006.

The Pricelessly gelding finished last of nine runners in a Maiden - 1400m event on the day in question.

At the conclusion of an inquiry yesterday, and after taking further evidence from Oh, trainer Evelyn Seet and veterinary surgeon Dr Alistair Murdoch, Oh was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 144(2) in that whilst riding COURAGEOUS GENERAL in the above race, 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 with immediate effect from yesterday and to expire on December 26, 2007, both days inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.

Oh subsequently exercised his right of appeal and applied for a stay of sentence, which was granted. The appeal will be held on a date to be fixed.