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Jockeys Oh Seng Hong and
Cheng Ke Ten were disqualified one year each at the conclusion of inquiries
today into the handling of MIGHTY MIDGET and ISLAND STAR respectively.
MIGHTY MIDGET (Cullen - Rouge Etoile by Star Way) finished a smack-up sixth,
beaten only about one length, to BEST WRESTLER in a Class 4, Div 3 - 1400m
sprint in Ipoh on Jan 12.
ISLAND STAR (Eternity Range - Gwen’s Magic by Encosta De Lago) ran eighth of
nine runners to SPEED WANG in the Restricted Maiden, Div 1 - 1200m sprint
here on Saturday.
After taking evidence from trainers Francis Nathan and Leong Poh Keong, and
reviewing the films, Oh was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) in
that whilst riding MIGHTY MIDGET in the above race, he failed to take all
reasonable and permissible measures to ensure MIGHTY MIDGET was given full
opportunity of obtaining the best possible placing. The particulars of the
charge were that after entering the home straight, he failed to ride with
sufficient vigour and determination when his mount was running on and in
fact, restrained his mount on several occasions between the 200m mark and
the finish.
When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account the facts of this
case, Oh’s points of mitigation and his record. After considering the
provisions of MRA Rule 44(8)(a), Oh was disqualified for a period of one
year with immediate effect from today and to expire on Jan 27, 2009, both
days inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.
Oh subsequently exercised his right of appeal. His application for a stay of
sentence will be heard on a date to be fixed.
After taking evidence from trainer Roy Rogers, and reviewing the films,
Cheng was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) in that whilst
riding ISLAND STAR in the above race, he failed to take all reasonable and
permissible measures to ensure ISLAND STAR was given full opportunity of
obtaining the best possible placing.
The particulars of the charge were that:
1. After jumping well from Barrier 4, he immediately took hold of his mount,
restrained it, resulting in it throwing its head up and losing ground.
Shortly thereafter, he again restrained his mount for no apparent reason,
resulting in his mount losing further ground. This was contrary to his
instructions and placed his mount in a position where it could not race to
its best advantage;
2. From the 800m to the 400m mark, he made no attempt to improve his
position when there were opportunities to do so behind JERAM WONDER; and
3. After entering the home straight at approximately the 350m mark until the
150m mark, he fixed his left hand whilst using his whip in the right hand,
resulting in his mount being unable to run on.
When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account the facts of this
case, Cheng’s points of mitigation and his record. After considering the
provisions of MRA Rule 44(8)(a), Cheng was disqualified for a period of one
year with immediate effect from today and to expire on Jan 27, 2009, both
days inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.
Meanwhile, jockey Leong Kah Wah who was
yesterday disqualified one year for his handling of VICTORY MELANG in the Class 5, Div 5 - 1400m handicap
on Saturday, has exercised his right of appeal. His application for a stay
of sentence will be heard on a date to be fixed.  |
