Jockey Mohd Zairi was today disqualified one year for his handling of EMPEROR QIAN LONG in a Class 5 - 1700m handicap at Sungei Besi here last Saturday.

The Australian eight-year-old, ridden by Zairi, came from last of 10 runnerd at the home turn to finish fourth to LITTLE MAN.

The Stewards at Selangor Turf Club today concluded an inquiry into the riding of EMPEROR QIAN LONG in the above race, and evidence was taken from Zairi and trainer Daniel Murphy, the rider and trainer of EMPEROR QIAN LONG respectively.

Zairi was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) in that whilst riding EMPEROR QIAN LONG in the above race, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that EMPEROR QIAN LONG was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best possible placing.

The particulars of the charge were that throughout the race, his vigour was insufficient and he covered unnecessary ground which he could have avoided and in the final stages of the race, he failed to ride his horse out to the finish, all of which was reasonable and permissible.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey M Zairi’s previous riding record and points of mitigation. After considering the provisions of MRA Rule 44(8)(a), Zairi was disqualified for a period of one year with immediate effect from today and to Mar 26, 2015, both dates inclusive. He was fined RM20,000 and advised of his right of appeal.

Trainer Murphy’s evidence was noted.

Zairi subsequently exercised his right of appeal and applied for a stay of sentence. The hearing for his application for a stay of sentence will be held on Apr 1 at 12pm.

The Stewards also concluded an inquiry today into the riding of BIG SUR who finished sixth in the same race.

Evidence was taken from apprentice Lim Aun Kean, the rider of BIG SUR, in the presence of his master, trainer Wayne Lim, and Richard Lines, the trainer of BIG SUR.

Lim 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 in the first 200m of the race, he should not have restrained BIG SUR and due to that, he was further back than anticipated and unable to carry out the instructions given by the trainer.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account Lim’s guilty plea, his previous riding record and points of mitigation. Lim was suspended from riding in races for a period of one month with effect from Apr to May 11, both dates inclusive, to be served consecutively to his current suspension which expires on Apr 11 Apri. He was advised of his right of appeal.

Lines’ evidence was noted.

Yesterday, the Stewards the Selangor Turf Club also concluded an inquiry into the riding of ALACARTE in a Class 4 - 1500m handicap, also run last Saturday.

Evidence was taken from apprentice Salim Zulfikri, the rider of ALACARTE, in the presence of his master, trainer Lines who is also the trainer of ALACARTE.

Zulfikri 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:

1. The Stewards were not satisfied in the first 200m, he overly restrained ALACARTE and could have been more forward which could have seen him in a better position to carry out his instructions which were to be midfield; and

2. The Stewards were not satisfied that from the 1000m to the 600m, he could have improved inside of JACK BAUER (App M Ganeesh) to be forward and closer to the eventual winner, GOLD STAR WINNER (J Low).