KUALA LUMPUR,  March 23, 2010

Trainer Prakhash Pereira, who was attacked by a group of men last December 29, was today disqualified two years and fined RM150,000 over a statement he made to the press in January.

The stewards concluded an inquiry at the Selangor Turf Club today and Pereira was found guilty of three charges under MRA Rule 152(3)(a) which states:

"No person shall act in a manner which in the opinion of the Committee or Local Committee or the Stewards is or may be prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct or good reputation of:

(a) horse racing in Singapore and/or Malaysia;"

The particulars of the charges were that on 4 January 2010, he gave an interview from his hospital bed which was featured in the headlines in "The New Paper" dated 5 January 2010.

1.  That he was asked on numerous occasions to "hook up horses" when this statement was not substantiated by any cogent evidence.

2.  That there was so much corruption (in Malaysia) when this statement was not substantiated by any cogent evidence.

3.  The he suspected that the group of people behind his apprentice was behind the physical attack on him when this statement was not substantiated by any cogent evidence.

(In the above-mentioned attack, Pereira suffered a fractured left leg and bruises all over his body.)

Pereira was disqualified for a period of two years and was also fined RM50,000 for each charge. The stewards however ordered the disqualification to be served concurrently and therefore Pereira was disqualified a total of two years and fined a total of RM150,000.

Pereira was given a week from today to wind up his stable affairs and was advised of his right of appeal.