LEE BANK, who finished second to TROJANE in a Class 3 - 1200m sprint at Sungei Besi here on Aug 24, has been disqualified and his trainer Mohd Sukri was fined RM10,000.

A post-race urine sample taken from LEE BANK after the race returned positive to "3-Hydroxy-N-Methylmorphinan", a prohibited substance under MRA rules.

The Stewards concluded an inquiry into the above matter at the Selangor Turf Club here yesterday, and evidence was taken from Sukri, Dr Shri Kanth, senior veterinary surgeon of the Selangor Turf Club and Prof Dr Tan Soo Choon, the chief analyst, Usains Biomics Sdn Bhd.

Sukri pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 134(6)(a) as read with MRA Rule 134(13) and punishable under MRA Rule 134(7) in that he was the trainer and person responsible for racing the horse LEE BANK which ran second placing in Race 7 on Aug 24 at the Selangor Turf Club, and its post race urine sample subsequently returned positive to "3-Hydroxy-N-Methylmorphinan", a prohibited substance under MRA rules.

In assessing the penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the type of drug, the nature of the drug involved, Sukri’s guilty plea, his mitigating factors and previous record. Sukri was fined RM10,000 and was advised of his right of appeal.