PENANG,  14 Feb 2009

SPEED LOONG, runaway winner of the Da Ma Cai Stakes (Class 4 - 1400m) in Ipoh on Jan 10, has been disqualified.

The post-race urine sample taken from SPEED LOONG, trained by MC Lam, returned positive to “3-Hydroxy-N-Methylmorphinan”, a prohibited substance under MRA Rules.

At the conclusion of an inquiry here today, after taking evidence from Prof Dr Tan Soo Choon, the chief analyst, Usains Holding Sdn Bhd and Dr Edward Samuel, the senior veterinary surgeon of the Penang Turf Club, Lam pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 134(6)(a) as read with MRA Rule 134(13) in that he accepted to run SPEED LOONG which ran 1st 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.

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

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