KUALA LUMPUR,  6 April 2007

Trainer John Nikolic has been fined a hefty RM30,000 after various items were seized from his stable on Feb 14 at the Perak Turf Club.

During a routine stable inspection conducted by the Stipendiary Stewards with his stable complex that day, a member of his staff, Syce Michael Yeoh Thaim Choy had, in his possession, various substances namely Dexamethasone and Salicylic Acid which are prohibited substances under MRA Rules of Racing.

At the continuation of an inquiry into the incident today, Nikolic pleaded guilty to a charge inder MRA Rule 33(2) as read with MRA Regulation 41.1.

After taking into account mitigating factors which including a previous clean record, Nikolic was fined RM30,000 and advised of his right of appeal.

With regards to the involvement of Yeoh, this inquiry has been adjourned in order to give him further opportunity to attend the hearing. In this regard, he will be notified by registered post and by hand delivered mail that should be failed to attend the next, scheduled inquiry it will be held and concluded in his absence.

Yeoh is prohibited from being employed by any MRA licenced person until such time as the above inquiry has been concluded.

MRA Rule 33(2):
"A Trainer shall, at all times, be responsible for the administration and conduct of his stables and staff and for the care, control and supervision of the horses in his stables."

MRA Regulation 41.1:
"A Trainer may be fined, suspended or disqualified if any medication containing any prohibited substances is found in any stable under his control or management unless the medication was supplied by a Veterinary Surgeon or was obtained from a registered pharmacy or registered medical practitioner after the Trainer has complied with the provisions of these Regulations."