KUALA LUMPUR:  Aug 13, 2010

High riding jockey Azhar Ismail, who is challenging Noel Callow for the jockey's premiership, will be out of action for one month after he withdrew his appeal against a one-month suspension.

Since returning to riding in early May after serving a three-month suspension under the demerit system, Azhar has been booting home doubles and trebles and is currently just xx winners behind Callow who leads with xx.

On July 18, however, Azhar was found guilty of a charge of careless riding for his ride on LAUGH HEARTILY in Ipoh the previous day and handed a one-month suspension.

LAUGH HEARTILY (Umatilla - Blevic Lass by Blevic) finished third to COLOURLANDPESTIGE in a Class 4 - 1400m handicap.

The charge was that he permitted his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of AGUSAN DEL NORTE resulting in that horse to clip the heels of LAUGH HEARTILY, stumbling and falling, dislodging its rider, jockey S Anandan. FEARED, which was following, jumped over the fallen AGUSAN DEL NORTE, unbalancing its rider K Eirwan. GOOD IMPRESSION (App SC Liew), which was also following, had to check outwards in this incident.

Azhar subsequently exercised his right of appeal and applied for a stay of sentence which was allowed.

Azhar, however, applied to withdraw his appeal last Monday (Aug 9). After consideration, the Racing Stewards acceded to his application, however his deposit was forfeited. His suspension commenced on Aug 9 and will expire on Sep 8, both days inclusive.