Yap Kin Win, who is joint leader in the apprentice table with 22 winners, may have to sit out two months of the remainder of the season after being handed a two-month suspension here yesterday.

This came after the Stewards concluded an inquiry into the running of SUCH A GOOD TIME in a Class 5 - 1400m sprint in Penang on July 7. Trained by his master Wee Mung Hua, the Australian gelding finished fourth to TOSHO TOSHI.

At the inquiry, evidence was taken from Yap, the rider of SUCH A GOOD TIME, in the presence of his master Wee. Ms Mok Cheng Yoon, a certified court interpreter, assisted both Yap and Wee.

Yap was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(10) for failing to ride to the satisfaction of the Stewards. The particulars of the charge were that:

1. From approximately the 350m to the 250m, he failed to make sufficient effort to take a run between MOVING FORWARD (App R Shafiq) on the outside and BOOKY BOY (O Chavez) on the inside when there was an opportunity to do so; and

2. Near the 200m, he unnecessarily steered his mount, SUCH A GOOD TIME, outwards across the heels of MOVING FORWARD when the run between MOVING FORWARD and BOOKY BOY still existed.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Yap’s submissions and riding record. Yap’s license to ride in races was suspended for a period of two months from Oct 14 and to Dec 13, bith dates inclusive. Acting on the provisions of MRA Rule 48(5), the Stewards deferred the commencement of Yap’s suspension. He was advised of his right of appeal.