Eirwan Khalid, who is sitting pretty at the top of the jockey’s table this season with 36 winners to date, has been suspended three months for his handling of LUCK DRAGON in a Restricted Maiden - 1200m event in Ipoh last July 29.

LUCK DRAGON (Vital Equine - Porte Bonheur by Centaine), who started favourite in a wide-open betting race, finished eighth to WATERFALL.

The Stewards concluded an inquiry into the ride of LUCK DRAGON at Penang Turf Club yesterday. Further evidence was taken from Eirwan, who was assisted by Ms Mok Cheng Yoon, a certified court Interpreter. Apprentice KK Khoo appeared as a witness for Eirwan.

After taking into consideration all the evidence, the Stewards found Eirwan guilty as charged under MRA Rule 44(10) for failing to ride to the satisfaction of the Stewards in that from approximately the 750m to the 300m, he failed to ride LUCK DRAGON with sufficient vigour and determination.

When deciding on penalty, Stewards took into account the mitigating factors and his previous record under the same Rule. Acting under MRA Rule 48(5), Stewards acceded to a request by Eirwan to defer his suspension. Eirwan’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of four months from Monday. In addition, Eirwan was fined a sum of RM20,000 and was informed of his right of appeal.

Eirwan subsequently exercised his right of appeal and was granted a stay of sentence pending the hearing of his appeal.

Jockey Maverick Leong also copped a three-month suspension after the Racing Stewards of the Penang Turf Club reviewed the running and handling of JETSETTER yesterday.

JETSETTER (Citidancer - Whisper To Me by Beau Sovereign), ridden by Leong, was badly away and ended up 12th in a Class 4 - 1400m handicap in Penang on Aug 18.

After taking evidence from jockey Leong, trainer Leong Poh Keong and acting trainer Lim Hoon Seng and reviewing all angles of the video, the Stewards charged jockey Leong with a contravention of MRA Rule 44(10). The details of the charge were that Leong, the rider of JETSETTER, failed to give his mount sufficient rein on jumping, resulting in it losing considerable ground and being unable to race to its full advantage.

Jockey Leong pleaded guilty to the charge and after considering his record and mitigation, the Racing Stewards suspended him from riding in races for a period of three months with immediate effect from today. He was also warned that should there be a repetition, he may face a more serious penalty in future. The white card issued to JETSETTER is rescinded.