SINGAPORE,  27 October 2007

Apprentice Cheng Han Kok won his appeal against a one-year disqualification for his handling of COLONIAL RIDER in a Kranji Stakes C event over 1600m at Kranji on July 29. The Argentinean gelding finished eighth of 11 runners to BLUE ANGEL.

At the conclusion of an inquiry in August, Cheng, the rider of COLONIAL RIDER, in the presence of his master, trainer Bruce Marsh, was found guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) for failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that COLONIAL RIDER was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best possible placing.

Cheng was disqualified for a period of one year and denied a stay of execution by the Stipendiary Stewards.

Cheng subsequently won an appeal against the stay of execution.

The Race Meeting Stewards’ then heard the appeal last Saturday.

After considering all of the evidence together with submissions from Cheng, his legal counsel and the Chairman of the inquiry panel, the Race Meeting Stewards allowed the appeal. His deposit was refunded.