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Trainer John Nikolic has
been fined RM5,000 for using his handphone in a restricted area at the Perak
Turf Club in Ipoh last Sunday.
At the conclusion of an inquiry today, Nikolic pleaded guilty to & charge of
misconduct under MRA Rule 152(5)(a) in that he made a telephone call to the
Manager of the horse, BALUNA PARK, just prior to the running of the Class 5,
Div 1 - 1100m sprint over the straight course whilst he was in the area
between the weighing room and the parade ring which is a restricted area as
determined under MRA Rule 106(5).
When deciding on the appropriate penalty, the Stewards took into account
that Nikolic had been honest in his evidence, the call was confirmed to have
been made to the manager of the horse, BALUNA PARK, with regards to the
riding instructions.
The Stewards were also satisfied that there was no evidence to suggest any
malicious intent on Nikolic’s behalf but this evidence was weighed up
against the seriousness of this incident. Nikolic, who had a clean previous
record, was fined RM5,000 and was advised of his right of appeal. He was
further warned that should any similar incident occur in future, he would be
penalized more severely.
Apprentice M Yusri, in the presence of his master, Trainer S Cook, was
warned with regards of his conduct and advised that he would be penalized
should there be a similar occurrence in future.
When deciding to issue this warning, the Stewards were satisfied that Yusri
had been passed Nikolic’s handphone but he had not spoken to the manager of
BALUNA PARK as they had been intercepted by one of the Stewards.
Footnote: BALUNA PARK, who was not fancied in the betting, ran on strongly
in the concluding stages to finish fifth to RENO.  |
