Jockey Nicholas Mogana Selvan has been disqualified one year and fined RM30,000 over his handling of CUT THE DEAL in the Class 3, Div 2 - 1200m sprint here last Sunday.

The Bletchley Park gelding was well supported but managed only sixth of eight runners to PILAH KID.

At the conclusion of an inquiry today, Selvan was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 144(2) in that whilst riding CUT THE DEAL in the said race, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that CUT THE DEAL was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best possible placing in the above race.

The particulars of the charge were:

1. At start, he failed to give sufficient rein to his mount which caused his horse to throw its head up and jump awkwardly outwards, bumping THUNDERSHOCK resulting in his horse being slow to begin;

2. Despite his instructions to race with the pace if possible, he restrained his mount unnecessarily from the start to about the 600m when he had clear running both to the side and ahead of him; and

3. In the home straight, he failed to ride his mount with sufficient vigour and determination and feigned the use of his whip on several occasions until the concluding stages of the race.

After considering the provisions of MRA Rule 144(5), Selvan was disqualified from riding in races for a period of one year with immediate effect from today and to expire on 13 January 2007, both days inclusive. In addition, Jockey Selvan was fined the sum of RM30,000. He was advised of his right of appeal.