Firdaus suspended two months

SINGAPORE:  Sep 20, 2011

Apprentice M Firdaus was yesterday handed a two-month suspension after the conclusion of an inquiry into the riding of SWITCHBLADE in the Class 2 - 1400m handicap at Kranji on July 29.

SWITCHBLADE, ridden by Firdaus, stood flat-footed and lost considerable ground at the start and beat one home in the eight-horse field.

Firdaus, in the presence of his master, trainer Steven Burridge, was found guilty to a charge of incompetent riding under MRA Rule 44(9)(b)(iii) in that he deviated from the riding expertise and judgement of a reasonably competent jockey when he did not pay sufficient attention to all the runners in front, he thereby narrowly avoiding collision with OVER THE RAINBOW (KB Soo) near the 300m when that horse had broken down in the straight.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account his record and the nature of the charge. Firdaus was suspended from riding in races for a period of two months with immediate effect from yesterday to Nov 18, both dates inclusive and was advised of his right of appeal.