KUALA LUMPUR:  Dec 17, 2010

Three horses who were placed in their respective races last October have been disqualified and their trainer fined a total of RM60,000 after the conclusion of inquiries held today.

The urine samples of LUCKY BOSS, who won a Class 5 - 1600m handicap at the novelty meeting in Ipoh on Oct 16, and GEM ARC, placed third in a Class 5 - 1400m sprint the same day, both returned positive to "Meloxicam".

A week later, the urine sample of SHARK HUNTER, second in a Class 5 - 1600m handicap at Sungei Besi on Oct 23, also returned positive to "Meloxicam".

The Stewards concluded two inquiries into the above matter today at the Selangor Turf Club. Evidence was taken from trainer Wong Kong Fatt, the trainer of the three horses mentioned above. The inquiries were held in the absence of syce Mohamed Suhaimi Bin Mohamed Yunus, who had failed to turn up for the inquiry hearing. Acting in terms of MRA Rule 153(1)(a), the inquiry was conducted in syce Mohamed Suhaimi’s absence.

Mohamed Suhaimi, in his absence, was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 133(l)(e) in that he, a syce licensed by the Malayan Racing Association bearing MRA pass no. S760, on the morning of Oct 16 at Block 6G of Wong’s stable at the Perak Turf Club, orally administered to LUCKY BOSS and GEM ARC "Meloxicam" which is a prohibited substance in terms of MRA Rules and as such, he has committed a breach of these Rules and may be punished.

Mohamed Suhaimi, in his absence, was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 133(l)(e). He was disqualified for a period of three years with immediate effect from Dec 17 and to Dec 16, 2013, both days inclusive and fined RM10,000, subject to the right of appeal.

Wong was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 134(6)(a) as read with MRA Rule 134(13) and punishable under MRA Rule 134(7) in that he accepted to run "LUCKY BOSS" and GEM Arc in the above-mentioned race and the post race urine samples of both horses subsequently returned positive to "Meloxicam", a prohibited substance under MRA Rules.

In deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Wong’s non-guilty plea, mitigating factors, his previous record and the nature of the drug involved. Wong was fined RM20,000 under each charge and was advised of his right of appeal (12:50pm).

Mohamed Suhaimi and Wong were faces the same charges and handed the same punishment in the case of SHARK HUNTER.

Mohamed Suhaimi's three-year disqualification will run from Dec 17, 2013 to Dec 16, 2016.

In terms of MRA Rule 134(11), all three horses, LUCKY BOSS, GEM ARC and SHARK HUNTER were both disqualified from their respective races and the results amended accordingly.