IPOH,  7 April 2008

Apprentice Thai Yang Singh was today disqualified one year for his handling of CHECKPOINT CHARLIE in a Class 5 - 1200m sprint here last Saturday.

CHECKPOINT CHARLIE came from a long way back to finish fifth to SHANGHAI SAM.

At the conclusion of an inquiry on today, after taking evidence and reviewing the films, Thai Yang, in the presence of his master, trainer KF Coetzee, was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) in that whist riding CHECKPOINT CHARLIE in the above race, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that CHECKPOINT CHARLIE was given full opportunity of obtaining the best possible placing.

The particulars of the charge were that:

1. After jumping awkwardly, he sat quietly on his mount, letting the runners on his outside to take up his rightful running;

2. After entering the home straight at about the 400m till approximately the 150M, he made no attempt to go forward when it was reasonable to do so and in fact, sat against his mount; and

3. He feigned the use of the whip at about the 150m mark and thereafter, he shifted in at about the 75m for no satisfactory reason and thereafter failed to ride his mount with sufficient vigour and determination to the finish.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account the facts of this case, Thai Yang’s previous clean record and his points in mitigation. After considering the provisions of MRA Rule 44(8)(a), he was disqualified for a period of one year with immediate effect from today and to expire on Apr 6, 2009, both days inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.