SINGAPORE,  April 9, 2010

Apprentice Mohd Affandi bin Taib has failed in his appeal against a one-year disqualification and will serve his sentence from Monday, April 5.

On January 17, Affandi was found guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) for failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to obtain the best possible placing on the horses REPORT FOR DUTY which finished third in a Class 4, Div 1 - 1200m sprint at Kranji on January 8.

Affandi subsequently exercised his right of appeal against the decision of the Stipendiary Stewards and the penalty imposed on him. On application, he was granted a stay of sentence.

The Race Meeting Stewards’ hearing of the appeal was concluded on Monday, April 5.

After considering all of the evidence together with submissions from Affandi, his master, Trainer Steven Burridge, his legal counsel, the Chairman of the Inquiry Panel and his legal counsel, the Race Meeting Stewards dismissed the appeal. The penalty was confirmed and Affandi was disqualified for a period of one year with immediate effect from Monday, April 5, to April 4, 2011. His deposit was forfeited.