IPOH,  8 February 2008

Jockey P Vellaikannu was last Saturday suspended two months for his handling of SPEED LION in a Class 5, Div 1 - 2000m handicap in Penang on Jan 26.

SPEED LION (Blackfriars - Baroota Wonder by Chief's Crown) beat one home after having finished second the previous start in December.

At the conclusion of an inquiry last Froday, after taking evidence from trainer MC Lam and reviewing the films, Vellaikannu, the rider of SPEED LION, pleaded guilty to a charge of incompetent riding under MRA Rule 44(9)(e) in that whilst riding SPEED LION in the above race, he failed to demonstrate a standard of riding expertise and judgement of a reasonably competent rider by settling his mount too far back in a slow run race.

Vellaikannu was suspended from riding in races for a period of two months with effect from Feb 1 to expire on Mar 31, both days inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.