Apprentice BN Kumar was today handed a two-month suspension for his handling of RECORD TIME in a Class 5 - 1400m sprint here yesterday.

Well-backed RECORD TIME (Fastnet Rock - Inshallah by Zabeel) was in second spot till the home turn but faded to finish seventh to HANDSOME BACHELOR.

The Stewards concluded an inquiry into Kumar's riding today. Evidence was taken from Kumar, the rider of RECORD TIME, in the presence of his master, trainer K Coetzee who is also the trainer of RECORD TIME.

Kumar pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(9)(b)(iii) for incompetent riding in that, from approximately the 1100m to the 500m, he unnecessarily allowed his mount to race wider on the track, thereby covering extra ground, which in the opinion of the Stewards is a deviation from the standard of riding expertise and judgment of a reasonably competent rider of his standing.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account his guilty plea, his forthright evidence, disciplinary record and mitigating factors. Kumar’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of two months.