SINGAPORE,  May 26, 2010

Jockey David Chong was today found guilty for the second time over his handling of POWERFUL LEADER in the Maiden - 1400m sprint at Kranji here on Feb 16.

POWERFUL RULER, trained by Brian Dean and ridden by Chong, came from second last of 11 runners at the home turn to finish fifth to JUSTICE.

At an inquiry on March 4, Chong 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, disqualified two years and fined S$50,000.

On April 30, Singapore Turf Club's race meeting stewards directed the stipendiary stewards to re-hear the case. This decision was taken after considering submissions on points of law from Chong’s legal counsel and the Stipendiary Stewards’ legal counsel. The race meeting stewards, pursuant to their powers under MRA Rule 149(1)(d), directed the Stipendiary Stewards to re-hear the case de-novo. As such, the disqualification and fine against Chong was lifted.

The inquiry into the running and riding of POWERFUL LEADER in the said race was re-heard and concluded today. Chong 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. The particulars of the charge are:

1. that from near the 1300m until approaching the 1200m, he did unnecessarily restrain POWERFUL LEADER, resulting in that gelding losing ground;

2. that from the 1200m until approaching the 1000m, he did continue to unnecessarily restrain POWERFUL LEADER allowing firstly POSITIVE JAWS and secondly MELAKA to cross, resulting in POWERFUL LEADER settling further back in the field when it was reasonable and permissible for him to allow POWERFUL LEADER to improve into a midfield position and hold those runners out; and

3. that from the 1000m until the 600m, he continued to restrain POWERFUL LEADER and failed to improve his position when there was ample opportunity and was reasonable to do so.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account his record and the nature of the charge. Chong was disqualified for a period of two years with immediate effect from today to May 25, 2012 and in addition, he was fined a sum of S$50,000. He was advised of his right of appeal.

Chong subsequently exercised his right of appeal against the decision of the Stipendiary Stewards and the penalty imposed on him. He subsequently applied for a stay of sentence.

After hearing and considering submissions from Chong, his application for a stay of sentence was denied by the Stipendiary Stewards. The appeal will be heard at a date to be fixed.