Trainer Evert van Breukelen has been disqualified six months after KIM MOON STAR returned a positive swab after finishing third to BLESSINGINDISGUISE in a Class 5 - 1600m handicap in Penang on Dec 23, 2012.

Post-race urine sample of KIM MOON STAR, upon analysis, returned positive to "Morphine" and "Caffeine" which are prohibited substances under MRA rules.

The Stewards conducted an inquiry into the above matter on Monday at the Perak Turf Club. Evidence were taken from van Breukelen, Professor Dr Tan Soo Choon, Chief Analyst, USains Holding Sdn Bhd and Dr Alistair Murdoch, Senior Veterinary Surgeon of the Perak Turf Club.

Van Breukelen pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 134(6)(a) as read with MRA Rule 134(13) and punishable under Rule 134(7) in that he, being the trainer and person responsible had accepted to run KIM MOON STAR which ran third in the above race and its post-race urine sample coded "11127" subsequently upon analysis returned positive to "Morphine" and "Caffeine" which are prohibited substances under MRA Rules.

The Stewards concluded the inquiry yesterday into the above matter at Perak Turf Club.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account van Breukelen’s disciplinary record, guilty plea and personal circumstances and the seriousness of the drugs involved. Van Breukelen was disqualified for a period of six months with immediate effect from yesterday to July 15, 2013, both days inclusive and in addition, he was fined the sum of RM50,000. He was advised of his right of appeal.

Under the provision of MRA Rule 134(11), KIM MOON STAR was disqualified from its race and the Judges’ placings be amended accordingly.

Van Breukelen was informed that a clear urine sample of KIM MOON STAR be submitted for analysis before being declared to race again as required under MRA Rule 134(12).

Stipendiary Stewards today heard an application for a stay of sentence from van Breukelen of his six months disqualification and RM50,000 fine.