Si Bravo and Happy Surpriser disqualified

IPOH:  Sep 23, 2011

Two horses trained by Luke Danis and were placed in their respective races in Ipoh during the Perak Novelty Meeting on Aug 13 have been disqualified after returning positve positive swabs.

Post-race urine sample of SI BRAVO, who finished third to PERHAPS in a Class 4 - 1100m sprint on the straight course, and HAPPY SURPRISER, who came home second to BLUE CENTRE in a Class 5 - 1400m handicap, both returned positive to "salbutamol".

The Stewards concluded an inquiry in the matter at the Perak Turf Club here today. Evidence was taken from Danis, Prof Dr Tan Soo Choon, the chief analyst, Usains Holding Sdn Bhd, and Dr Alistair Murdoch, the senior veterinary surgeon of the Perak Turf Club.

Danis pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 134(6)(a) as read with MRA Rule 134(13) and punishable under MRA Rule 134(7) in that he accepted to run SI BRAVO which ran third placing in the above race and its post-race urine sample coded "02948" subsequently upon analysis, returned positive to "Salbutamol", a prohibited substance under MRA Rules.

Danis also pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 134(6)(a) as read with MRA Rule 134(13) and punishable under MRA Rule 134(7) in that he accepted to run HAPPY SURPRISER which ran second placing in the above race and its post race urine sample "02941" subsequently upon analysis, returned positive to "Salbutamol", a prohibited substance under MRA Rules.

In deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Danis’ guilty pleas, his mitigating factors and previous record. Danis was fined RM20,000 for each charge (total RM40,000) and was advised of his right of appeal.

In addition, in terms of MRA Rule 134(11), SI BRAVO and HAPPY SURPRISER were both disqualified from the respective races and the results will be amended accordingly.

Meanwhile in Penang yesterday, the Penang Turf Club Racing Stewards dismissed the appeal of apprentice Thai Yang Singh, who was earlier disqualified 12 months after his urine sample taken on May 7 at the Penang Turf Club returned positive to "Ketamine and Metabolites". His deposit was also forfeited.