Malaysian apprentice, Rizuan Shafiq, who is indentured to Singapore trainer Mark Walker, has been suspended six months by the Selangor Turf Club stewards for his ride on OCEAN PRESENT at Sungei Besi on Aug 9.

OCEAN PRESENT, trained by Tan Soo Beng, came from last at the home turn to finish fourth to FAIRBORN in a Class 4 - 1600m handicap at the novelty meeting.

The Stewards yesterday concluded an inquiry into the riding of OCEAN PRESENT. Evidence was taken from Shafiq, the rider of OCEAN PRESENT, in the presence of Walker and Tan.

Shafiq was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(10) for failing to ride to the satisfaction of the Stewards. The particulars of the charge were that whilst riding OCEAN PRESENT in the above race, the Stewards were not satisfied that:

1. After jumping well, he restrained OCEAN PRESENT on several occasions and as a consequence, the gelding got further back in the race than instructed and as a result, failed to carry out his instructions; and

2. Racing to the 500m, the Stewards were of the opinion that he had an opportunity to take a run between PRAIRIE PRIDE (App AK Lim) and SUPER GURU (LL Tai), and instead shifted to the outside of SUPER GURU to obtain a run.

In assessing on penalty, the Stewards took into account Shafiq’s mitigating factors and his previous record. He was suspended from riding in races for a period of 6 months with immediate effect from Sep 6 to Mar 5, 2015, both dates inclusive, to be served concurrently with his current suspension. He was also fined RM20,000 and advised of his right of appeal.