PENANG,  8 June 2007

Apprentice Jason Yeoh has failed in his appeal against a one-year disqualification and will serve his sentence with immediate from today.

Yeoh was hauled up by the Stewards over his handling of SUCCESSFUL MAN in the Class 5 - 1200m sprint in Penang on March 18.

Starting at odds-on favourite, the Black Kite gelding, ridden by Yeoh, came from a long way back to finish seventh to BABY SUN.

At the conclusion of an inquiry on March 23, Yeoh, in the presence of his master, trainer Kevin Coetzee, was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) in that whist riding SUCCESSFUL MAN in the above race, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that SUCCESSFUL MAN was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best possible placing in the race.

The particulars of the charge were that:

1. After a reasonable jump al the start, he allowed SUCCESSFUL MAN to drop back towards the rear of the field and thereafter in a slow pace, he lost further ground from the 800m to the 500m; and

2. At approximately 250m mark, the horse was restrained for no apparent reason and thereafter App J Yeoh failed to ride his horse with sufficient vigour and determination to the finish.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account Yeoh’s previous clean record and his limited experience in race riding. After considering the provisions of MRA Rule 44(8)(a), Yeoh was disqualified for a period of one year..

Yeoh subsequently exercised his right of appeal and applied for a stay of sentence, which was granted.