Jai Shankar’s bid to defend the Malaysian champion jockey’s title suffered a severe setback when he was suspended two months from Monday.

Shankar currently sits second on the table with 39 winners, 12 behind Jose De Souza whom he beat to win the title for the first time last year.

The Selangor Turf Club stewards today concluded an inquiry into the riding of Shankar on SISTER IN LAW in a Metro D (Rating 22-56) event over 1400m at Sungei Besi here on Aug 3.

Evidence was taken from Shankar and Daniel Murphy, the rider and trainer of SISTER IN LAW respectively, and Dr Shri Kanth, senior veterinary surgeon of the Selangor Turf Club.

Shankar 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 the Stewards were not satisfied with his vigour and use of the whip in the final 400m and as a consequence, the stewards were of the opinion that this has caused him to lose third placing.

In assessing on penalty, the Stewards took into account Shankar’s mitigating factors and his previous record. Acting on the provisions of MRA Rule 48(5), the stewards deferred the commencement of Shankar’s suspension. He was suspended from riding in races for a period of two months with effect from Aug 18 to Oct 17, both dates inclusive. He was also fined RM10,000 and advised of his right of appeal.

The Stewards noted Murphy’s evidence at the inquiry.

Also suspended for three months from yesterday was jockey Rio Burnett.

The stewards yesterday concluded an inquiry into the riding of Burnett on RUSHEY GREEN in a Class 5 - 1100m sprint at Sungei Besi on Aug 3.

Evidence was taken from Burnett and Frank Maynard, the rider and trainer of RUSHEY GREEN respectively, and Dr Shri Kanth, senior veterinary surgeon of the Selangor Turf Club.

Burnett 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 after a good jump from barrier 1, he failed to maintain a more forward position and failed to ride his horse with sufficient vigour to maintain his position in the first 400m until racing to about the 600m mark in the race. The Stewards were also not satisfied with his explanation.

In assessing on penalty, the Stewards took into account Burnett’s mitigating factors and his previous record. He was suspended from riding in races for a period of three months with immediate effect from yesterday and to Nov 11, both dates inclusive. He was also fined RM10,000 and advised of his right of appeal.