SINGAPORE,  22 October 2007

Apprentice Jainullah Mohamed Farook (J Farook) will serve a three-month suspension instead of a one-year disqualification for his handling of GOLDEN TIGER at Kranji last July 29.

The Istidaad gelding, trained by Farook’s master Brian Dean, finished seventh to MORGAN in a Class 4 - 1400m sprint which was run in heavy going.

Farook, the rider of GOLDEN TIGER, in the presence of Dean, was found guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) for failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that GOLDEN TIGER was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best possible placing.

Farook was disqualified for a period of one year and subsequently exercised his right of appeal against the decision of the Stipendiary Stewards and the penalty imposed on him.

The Race Meeting Stewards’ hearing of the appeal was concluded on Saturday, Oct 20.

After considering all of the evidence together with submissions from Farook, his legal counsel and the chairman of the inquiry panel, the Race Meeting Stewards amended the charge under MRA Rule 44(10) for failing to ride with sufficient vigour and determination in the straight.

App Farook was found guilty to the charge and was suspended from riding in races for three months with immediate effect from Oct 20 to Jan 19, 2008 both dates inclusive. His deposit was refunded.