KUALA LUMPUR,  6 June 2009

Trainer Tan Soo Beng was fined R15,000 as a result of UNIVERSE STAR returning a positive swab after his race on May 9.

The post-race urine sample of UNIVERSE STAR, who finished fifth in a Class 5 - 1200m sprint in Pennag that day, returned positive to “3-Hydroxy-N-Methylmorphinan”.

The Stewards concluded an inquiry yesterday at the Selangor Turf Club. After taking evidence from Prof Dr Tan Soo Choon, the Chief Analyst, Usains Holding Sdn Bhd and Dr Shri Kanth, the Senior Veterinary Surgeon of the Selangor Turf Club, trainer SB Tan pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 134(6)(a) as read with MRA Rule 134(13) in that he accepted to run UNIVERSE STAR which ran 5th placing in the above race and its post-race urine sample subsequently returned positive to “3-Hydroxy-N-Methylmorphinan”, a prohibited substance under MRA Rules.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Tan’s mitigating factors and his previous record. Tan was fined RM15,000 and was advised of his right of appeal.

In addition, in terms of MRA Rule 134(11), UNIVERSE STAR was disqualified from the race and the results were amended accordingly.