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Apprentice S Fauzi has
succeeded in getting his one-year disqualification reduced to a six-month
suspension on appeal.
Fauzi was in July
disqualified for one year for his handling of WEALTH in a Class 4, Premier
Div - 1400m handicap at Kuala Lumpur on June 24.
WEALTH (br.nz.m Generous - Rice Bowl by Sambuk) came from second last
early to finish fourth to AMAZING GIFT.
At the conclusion of an inquiry on July 9, after taking evidence from trainer
John Nikolic and reviewing the films, Fauzi, the rider of WEALTH, in the
presence of his master, trainer Leslie Khoo, was found guilty of a charge
under MRA Rule 44(8) in that whist riding WEALTH in Race 8 at the Selangor
Turf Club on 24th June 2007, he failed to take all reasonable and
permissible measures to ensure that WEALTH was given full opportunity of
winning or of obtaining the best possible placing.
The particulars of the charge were that in the early part of the race, he
took WEALTH to the rear of the field, further back than was necessary, and
then in the home straight from about the 500m mark to the finish, he failed
to ride with sufficient vigour and determination when WEALTH was running on.
When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account Fauzi’s previous
clean record and the fact that he had limited race riding experience. After
considering the provisions of MRA Rule 44(8)(a), Fauzi was disqualified for
a period of one year with immediate effect from today and to expire on July
8, 2008, both days inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal
(10:40am).
In addition, Nikolic, the trainer of WEALTH, was warned that in future, he
would be expected to approach the Stewards should he have any concern or
query with any jockey's ride on one of his horses.
App Fauzi subsequently exercised his right of appeal against the decision
and penalty, and applied for a stay of sentence, which was granted.
The
Selangor Turf Club heard the appeal today.
After considering submissions from Fauzi's
counsel and the Acting Stipendiary Steward, and after considering all the
evidence, the Racing Stewards amended the charge to MRA Rule 44(9)f) for
"slack riding". Fauzi
pleaded guilty to the charge and the Racing Stewards, acting under MRA Rule
12(2)(z), suspended Fauzi's licence from riding in races from a period of
sixth months with immediate effect from today. His deposit was refunded.
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