SINGAPORE,  18 July 2008

Japanese trainer Susumu Nigishi, who has saddled just two winners this season, 'lost' one winner at the conclusion of an inquiry yesterday. He was also fined S$10,000.

HAPPY FORTUNE, who was first past the post in a Restricted Maiden - 1100m sprint on the fibresand on May 9, failed his blood test when his sample revealed the presence of Glycopyrrolate.

Nigishi subsequently exercised his right to have HAPPY FORTUNE’s Referee Sample sent overseas for independent analysis.

At the conclusion of the inquiry, Nigishi was found guilty to a charge under MRA Rule of Racing 134(6) in that he was the trainer and as such the person responsible for presenting HAPPY FORTUNE which took part in Race 3 on May 9 following which it failed its post-race Urine Test when it was found to contain the presence of Glycopyrrolate, a prohibited substance under the MRA rules of racing. Nigishi was fined a sum of S$10,000 and was advised of his right of appeal.

In terms of Rule 134(10), HAPPY FORTUNE was disqualified from the race and the result amended accordingly.