IPOH,  Feb 27, 2010

Jockey Leong Kah Wah was yesterday handed a four-month suspension for his handling of SURE GOOD in a Restricted Maiden - 1400m event here last Sunday.

SURE GOOD (Piccolo - Swing And Miss by Celtic Swing), who started at long odds, was beaten a head by SPICE MASTER (Top Echelon - Vicheno by Blevic) in a photo finish that involved a line of six horses.

The Stewards concluded an inquiry into the running and handling of SURE GOOD yesterday. Evidence was taken from Leong, the rider of SURE GOOD, and KH Ng, the trainer of SURE GOOD.

Leong pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(10) for failing to ride to the satisfaction of the Stewards. The particulars of the charge were that from the 200m to the finish, he failed to ride his mount with sufficient vigour to the satisfaction of the Stewards.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the facts of this case, Leong’s points of mitigation and his record. Leong was suspended from riding in races for a period of four months with effect from Monday and to expire on June 30, both days inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.

Also in Ipoh today, apprentice Tan Chee Kit was suspended two months for his handling of NINETYFIVE SEAL in a Class 3 - 1200m sprint here last Sunday.

NINETYFIVE SEAL (Lion Hunter - Forever Glory by Semipalatinsk), ridden by Tan, also started at long odds and came from a long way back to finish sixth to SPEED BABY (Fastnet Rock - Twisted Heart by Distorted Humor).

The inquiry into the running and handling of NINETYFIVE SEAL was concluded today. Evidence was taken from Tan, the rider of NINETYFIVE SEAL, in the presence of his master, trainer Simon Liew.

Tan pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(10) for failing to ride to the satisfaction of the Stewards. The particulars of the charge were that from the 150m to the finish, he failed to ride his mount with sufficient vigour to the satisfaction of the Stewards.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the facts of this case, Tan’s points of mitigation and his record. Tan was suspended from riding in races for a period of two months with effect from Monday and to expire on April 30, both days inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.