Jockey Liew Seng Cheong was yesterday found guilty of two charges of not riding to the satisfaction of the stewards and suspended a total of eight months.

In the first case, Liew hauled up for his ride on SALAHADDIN in a Metro C - 1200m event at Sungei Besi last Saturday. Trained by PS Kumaran, the Australian seven-year-old finished 11th out of 13 runners.

At the conclusion of inquiry, evidence was taken from and PS Kumaran.

Liew pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(10) for failing to ride to the satisfaction of the Stewards. The particulars of the charge were that he covered unnecessary ground from approximately the 1000m to the 600m on SALAHADDIN in this race.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account Liew’s guilty plea, mitigating factors and his previous riding record. Liew was suspended from riding in races for a period of two months with immediate effect from yesterday to Aug 16, both dates inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.

PS Kumaran’s evidence was noted.

The Stewards yesterday also concluded an inquiry into the riding of CHAMPAGNE ROSE in a Class 5 - 1300m handicap last Saturday.

Evidence was taken from Liew and trainer Richard Lines, the trainer of CHAMPAGNE ROSE.

Liew pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(10) for failing to ride to the satisfaction of the Stewards. The particulars of the charge were from the 1000m to the 500m in this race, he failed to ride with sufficient vigour and purpose to improve his position and raced unnecessarily wide on CHAMPAGNE ROSE.