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Jockey Jai Shankar was
today suspended for 12 months after returning a positive urine test at Kuala
Lumpur last month.
The Stewards today concluded an inquiry into urine sample coded ‘J-2461’
taken on Dec 14 returning positive to “Dextromethorphan & metabolite”.
Evidence was taken from Shankar, Prof. Dr Tan Soo Choon, the chief analyst,
Usains Holding Sdn Bhd, Dr Lam Yee Yoon and Dr B A Ramesh.
After considering all the evidence, Shankar was found guilty to a charge
under MRA Rule 136(3)(b) and the particulars of the charge were that a urine
sample coded “J-2461 submitted by him on Dec 14 at the Selangor Turf Club
December Meeting 2008, on analysis, revealed the presence of
“Dextromethorphan & metabolite”, which are prohibited substances under the
MRA Rules.
Shankar was suspended for a period of twelve months with immediate effect
from today and to expire on Jan 1 next year, both days inclusive. He was
advised of his right of appeal.
Meanwhile, jockey Oh Seng Hong had a one-year disqualification reduced to a
six-month suspension on appeal today.
Oh was on Jan 28 last year charged under MRA Rule 44(8) for his handling of
MIGHTY MIDGET in a Class 4, Div 3 - 1400m sprint in Ipoh on Jan 12, 2008.
Oh was charged for failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures
to ensure MIGHTY MIDGET was given full opportunity of obtaining the best
possible placing. The particulars of the charge were that after entering the
home straight, he failed to ride with sufficient vigour and determination
when his mount was running on and in fact, restrained his mount on several
occasions between the 200m mark and the finish.
Oh’s appeal was finally heard today after a lengthy delay. Oh himself has
been out of action since April 5, 2008.
After considering
submissions from Oh and the Chief Stipendiary Steward, and after considering
all the evidence, the Racing Stewards amended the charge to MRA Rule 44(10)
for failing to ride to the satisfaction of the Stewards. Acting under MRA
Rule 12(2)(z), the Racing Stewards suspended Jockey Oh for a period of 6
months with immediate effect and his deposit was refunded.  |
