Rookie Khairil suspended two months

PENANG:  Dec 28, 2012

Apprentice Md Khairil Izuan bin Md Zulkiflee (Z Khairil) was today handed a one-month suspenion for his handling of YOUNG GUN in a Class 4 - 1200m sprint here last Saturday.

Second favourite YOUNG GUN was always travelling in midfield, finishing sixth to REEL SCHMICK.

At the conclusion of an inquiry today, Khairil, the rider of YOUNG GUN, in the presence of his master, trainer Jerone Tan, pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(10) for failing to ride to the satisfaction of the Stewards in that from approximately the 900m to the 700m, he failed to improve his position on YOUNG GUN when racing behind REEL SCHMICK and MASQUERAIN when there was an opportunity to do so.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account Khairil’s guilty plea, mitigating factors, his forthright evidence and riding record. Khairil was suspended from riding in races for a period of two months with effect from Monday, Dec 31 to expire on Feb 28, both days inclusive. Acting on the provisions of MRA Rule 48(5), the Stewards deferred the commencement of Khairil’s suspension. He was advised of his right of appeal (3.05pm).