Jockey Firman Yap was today handed a three-month suspension for his ride on CAVORTING in a Class 5 - 1500m handicap at Sungei Besi here on Sep 21.

CAVORTING, trained by Richard Lines, set the early pace to finish fourth to BY INVITATION ONLY.

The Stewards concluded an inquiry into the riding of CAVORTING in the above race at the Selangor Turf Club today.

Evidence was taken from Yap and Lines. Lee Lai Ngo, a certified interpreter, assisted Yap at the inquiry.

Yap was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(6) for failing to ride to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the stewards. The particulars of the charge were that Yap, as the rider of CAVORTING, failed to ride CAVORTING out to the finish of the race in a satisfactory manner which as a consequence, prejudiced the chances of CAVORTING finishing in third placing.

In assessing on penalty, the Stewards took into account Yap’s mitigating factors and his previous record. Acting on the provisions of MRA Rule 48(5), the Stewards deferred the commencement of Yap’s suspension. He was suspended from riding in races for a period of three months with effect from Oct 13 to Jan 12, both dates inclusive. He was also fined RM20,000 and advised of his right of appeal.