IPOH,  22 Nov 2008

Apprentice How Yang will be out of action for 18 months after being charged for his ride on WESTERN CONQUEROR last Sunday.

WESTERN CONQUEROR, ridden by Yang, finished fourth to LORD OCTAGON in a Class 4 - 1200m sprint.

The Stewards concluded an inquiry today and evidence was taken from WESTERN CONQUEROR's trainer MC Lam, Yang, in the presence of his master, trainer Evelyn Seet, trainer J McGillivray and App YS Lim.

After considering all the evidence and reviewing the films, Yang was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) in that whilst riding WESTERN CONQUEROR in the above race, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that WESTERN CONQUEROR was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best possible placing.

The particulars of the charge were that:

1. At approximately the 900m mark, he failed to make any attempt to improve his position on the outside of LORD OCTAGON where there was an opportunity to do so which would have enabled him to race midfield as instructed;

2. He failed to take a gap between LORD OCTAGON and CENTURY AGAINST which presented itself at approximately the 300m mark when it was reasonable to do so;

3. At approximately the 250m mark, he shifted in to a position behind WEST THE BEST and remained there for approximately 9 strides, failing to take a big gap on the inside which was available; and

4. He feigned the use of the whip on numerous occasions in the straight and failed to ride with sufficient vigour and determination when his horse was running on strongly.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the facts of this case, Yang’s record and points of mitigation. After considering the provisions of MRA Rule 44(8)(a), Yang was disqualified for a period of eighteen months with immediate effect from today and to expire on May 21, 2010, both days inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.