Lim Yek Seng disqualified and fined

IPOH:  Aug 13, 2011

Apprentice Lim Yeok Seng was today disqualified and fine RM50,000 for his ride on MONEY TRAP in a Class 5 - 1400m sprint at Sungei Besi on Aug 6.

The Stewards concluded an inquiry into the running and handling of MONEY TRAP in the above at the Perak Turf Club today. Evidence was taken from Lim, the rider of MONEY TRAP, in the presence of his master, trainer Evert van Breukelen and Chong Keng Leong, the trainer of MONEY TRAP.

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

The particulars of the charge were that:

1) he gave his mount insufficient rein on jumping away resulting in MONEY TRAP throwing its head up on two occasions;

2) shortly after this, he failed to make sufficient effort to ride his mount in a handy position when there were opportunities to do so as per his riding instructions;

3) he unnecessarily restrained his mount when his mount was running on strongly from shortly after entering the straight until approaching the 100m.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the facts of this case, Lim’s record, his points of mitigation and his guilty plea. After considering the provisions of MRA Rule 44(8)(a), Lim was disqualified for a period of one year from Aug 13 to Aug 12, 2012, both days inclusive. In addition, he was also fined the sum of RM50,000 and was advised of his right of appeal.