Apprentice Ruzaini Sopien's promising career in the saddle has taken a huge knock after he was disqualified three years following a positive urine test.

Urine sample taken from the lad, who sits second in the apprentice table in Singapore with 15 winners and third in Malaysia (16 wins), on Oct 1 in Singapore revealed the presence of Methamphetamine.

At the conclusion of an inquiry yesterday, Ruzaini, in the presence of his master, trainer S Cook, was found guilty to a charge under MRA Rule of Racing 136(3)(b) in that on the said day, he presented himself and fulfilled his riding engagements at the Singapore Turf Club Meeting that day, during the course of this Meeting, he provided a urine sample which upon analysis was found to contain the presence of Methamphetamine, in excess of the threshold limits in the rules and thereby defined as a prohibited substance under the MRA Rules of Racing.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account the submissions from Ruzaini and Cook, his record and the nature of the prohibited substance. Ruzaini was disqualified for a period of three years with immediate effect from yesterday to Nov 17, 2013 both dates inclusive and he was advised of his right of appeal.