Apprentice Tai Lee Leong has won an appeal against a one-year disqualification.

Tai, is his debut season last year, was disqualified one year over his handling of ELEGANT SPIRIT in the Class 3, Div 2 - 1200m sprint here on December 11, 2005. Trained by his master Frank Maynard, ELEGANT SPIRIT finished eighth to CASH MONEY.

At the conclusion of the inquiry a week later, Tai, in the presence of  Maynard, pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 144(2) in that whilst riding ELEGANT SPIRIT, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that ELEGANT SPIRIT was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best possible placing.

After considering the provisions of MRA Rule 144(5), Tai was disqualified from riding in races for a period of one year with immediate effect from December 17, 2005 and was advised of his right of appeal.