Jockey Bukhari Abdul Hamid was today suspended four months and fined RM20,000 for his handling of FAIRBORN in a Class 5 - 1200m sprint at Sungei Besi here on Nov 10.

FAIRBORN, trained by his master Frank Maynard, finished second to AMERICA ROSE, beaten a nose in a blanket finish.

The Stewards concluded an inquiry into the running and handling of FAIRBORN (H Bukhari) in the above race at the Selangor Turf Club today.

Evidence was taken from Bukhari, Maynard jockey Jose De Souza, the rider of BEFLEDGED.

Bukhari 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 the Stewards were not satisfied that there was sufficient room between AMERICA ROSE (N Callow) and ROCK AND STONE (App M Hanif), as he claimed, to take a run, and that therefore from the 200m, he should have come to the outside of AMERICA ROSE to obtain a clear run to the finish.

In assessing on penalty, the Stewards took into account Bukhari’s mitigating factors and his previous record. Acting on the provisions of MRA Rule 48(5), the Stewards deferred the commencement of Bukhari’s suspension. He was suspended from riding in races for a period of four months with effect from Dec 1 to Mar 31, both dates inclusive. He was also fined RM20,000 and advised of his right of appeal.

The Stewards also noted both Maynard’s and De Souza’s evidence at the inquiry.