Henry Barnabas disqualified two years

PENANG:  Sep 30, 2014

Jockey Henry Barnabas has been disqualified two years for his handling of MY SWALLOW in a Class 4 - 1200m sprint in Penang on Sep 14 when the mare finished fifth, less than one length, from the winner ALIEN.

The Stewards yesterday concluded their inquiry at the Penang Turf Club into the running and riding of MY SWALLOW.

Further evidence was taken from Barnabas and KM Noordin, the trainer of MY SWALLOW.

After considering all the evidence and reviewing the videos, Barnabas was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) as read with 44(8)(a) in that whilst riding MY SWALLOW in the above race, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that MY SWALLOW was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best possible placing. The particulars of the charge are as follows:

(1) That he rode MY SWALLOW with insufficient vigour and determination from the 300m mark when his mount was improving;

(2) That he unnecessarily restrained his mount for approximately four strides when the mare was running on strongly in the concluding stages when there was clear running on the inside of ALIEN (WK Yan).

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account the facts of this case, Barnabas’ points of mitigation, his riding record under the same rule and the seriousness of the offence. Barnabas was disqualified for a period of two years with immediate effect from yesterday to Sep 28, 2016, both days inclusive. In addition, he was fined the sum of RM50,000 and advised of his right of appeal.