Da Cruz disqualified 12 months and fined

PENANG:  Aug 26, 2011

Visiting Brazilian jockey Emerson Da Cruz has been disqualified 12 months and fined RM70,000 for his handling of METEOR ONE here last Sunday.

The Dr Tan Swee Hock-trained gelding, ridden by Da Cruz, finished second, beaten only half a length second, to HOW YOU SEE in a Class 4 - 1100m sprint.

The Stewards concluded an Inquiry into the running and handling of METEOR ONE at the Penang Turf Club here today.

Evidence was taken from Da Cruz and Tan and Mathews Trevizoli Barrachi, a certified interpreter, assisted Da Cruz in this inquiry.

Da Cruz was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) in that whilst riding METEOR ONE in the above race, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that METEOR ONE was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best possible placing.

The particulars of the charge were that approaching the 100m in the above race, he stopped riding for approximately 10 strides when his mount was running on strongly.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the facts of this case, Da Cruz’s previous record and his points of mitigation. After considering the provisions of MRA Rule 44(8)(a), Da Cruz was disqualified for a period of twelve months with immediate effect from today to Aug 25, 2012, both days inclusive. In addition, he was also fined the sum of RM70,00 and was advised of his right of appeal.