Apprentice Fauzi disqualified one year

IPOH,  9 July 2007

Apprentice S Fauzi has been disqualified for one year for his handling of WEALTH in a Class 4, Premier Div - 1400m handicap at Kuala Lumpur on June 24.

WEALTH (6 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 today, 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 appeal will be held on a date to be fixed.