Rio Burnett suspended three months

IPOH:  Mar 5, 2011

Jockey Rio Burnett has been suspended three months for his handling of SUCH A GOOD TIME (Lucky Owners - Can't Hackit by Fasliyev) in a Class 4 - 1100m sprint over the straight course here today.

The five-year-old, trained by Mohd Sukri, came from well back to finish third to CONSONG (Align - Rennaisance Girl by Danasinga).

After the race, the Stewards concluded an inquiry into the running and riding of SUCH A GOOD TIME. Evidence was taken from Burnett and Sukri.

Burnett 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:

1. From the start till approximately the 950m mark, he failed to ride his mount along to be in a midfield position which would be in compliance with his instructions, thereby placing his mount too far back from the leaders in a sprint race; and

2. Between the 600m to the 500m, he failed to give sufficient rein to his mount resulting in it throwing its head up on a number of occasions.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the facts of this case, Burnett’s points of mitigation and his record. Acting on the provisions of MRA Rule 48(5), the Stewards deferred the commencement of Burnett’s suspension. Burnett was suspended from riding in races for a period of three months with effect from March 13 to expire on June 12, both days inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.