PENANG,  24 March 2007

Leong Yoon Fei has failed in his appeal against a three-month suspension imposed by the Stipendiary Stewards for his handling of TITANIUM last Nov 5.

The Bluebird gelding, ridden by Leong, finished third to DANE HERO in a Class 4, Div 1 - 1400m handicap in Penang.

At the conclusion of the inquiry on Jan 17, after taking evidence from Leong, trainer John McGillivray and the owner of TITANIUM, Leong was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 149(a)(iii) for failing to ride to the satisfaction of the Stewards in that at approximately the 150m mark when there was ample room to obtain a clear run on the inside of LOOPHOLE IN LAW and whilst it was reasonable to do so, he instead raced up to the heels of LOOPHOLE IN LAW, checked and switched inwards, losing some ground which was at a vital stage of the race.

Jockey YF Leong was suspended from riding in races for a period of three months and subsequently filed an appeal.

The Penang Turf Club Racing Stewards heard the above appeal on Thursday.

After considering submissions from Leong and the Chief Stipendiary Steward, and after considering all the evidence, the appeal was dismissed and the three months suspension was confirmed to commence with immediate effect from March 22. Leong’s deposit was forfeited.