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Trainer Hah Kee Choy was
today disqualified one year as a result of LIGHT EASY (Volksraad - Darwasha
by Robelliino) returning a positive test after a race in Penang on Feb 22.
The eight-time winner in Singapore and Malaysia finished second to BIG STEEL
in a Class 4 - 2000m handicap that day but collapsed and died after the
race.
The Stewards concluded an inquiry here today. After taking evidence from
Prof Dr Tan Soo Choon, the chief analyst, Usains Holding Sdn Bhd, Dr Edward
Samuel, the senior veterinary surgeon of the Penang Turf Club and Dr Khor Li
Li, the veterinary surgeon of the Penang Turf Club, Hah pleaded guilty to a
charge under MRA Rule 134(6)(a) as read with MRA Rule 134(13) in that he was
the trainer and person responsible who accepted to run LIGHT EASY which ran
2nd placing in Race 5 on Feb 22, 2009 at the Penang Turf Club February
Meeting 2009 and then collapsed and died in the pull-up area, and its
post-mortem urine sample subsequently returned positive to “Pentobarbital”,
a prohibited substance under MRA Rules.
In deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Hah’s
mitigating factors and his previous record. Hah was disqualified for a
period of one year with immediate effect from today and to expire on April
16, 2010, both days inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.
In addition, in terms of MRA Rule 134(11), LIGHT EASY was disqualified from
the race and the results were amended accordingly.
Footnote: Trainer KC Hah subsequently
exercised his right of appeal and applied for a stay of sentence. In view of
exceptional circumstances, the Stewards heard the application for a stay of
sentence in Hah’s absence on Apr 18 at the Penang Turf Club, which was
granted.  |
