KUALA LUMPUR,  19 Oct 2009

Jockey Jai Shankar had a 12-month suspension reduced to three months on appeal today.

Shankar was on Jan 2 suspended 12 months after returning a positive urine test at Kuala Lumpur in December last year.

The Selangor Turf Club racing stewards heard Shankar's appeal today.

After considering submissions from Shankar, his counsel, the acting chief stipendiary steward and the counsel for the stipendiary stewards, and after considering all the evidence, the racing stewards dismissed the appeal. The racing stewards, however, reduced the suspension to three months effective today and to expire on Jan 18, 2010, both days inclusive. His deposit was refunded.