Azhar Ismail, seven-time champion in Malaysia who is now based in Singapore but comes back to ride in Kuala Lumpur on Saturdays, was today suspended four months for his handling of VON SNITZEL in a Class 5 - 1400m handicap at Sungei Besi here today.

VON SNITZEL, trained by his brother Ismadi, finished sixth to HUSSAR after being 11th of 12 runners at the home turn.

The Stewards opened an inquiry into the tactics that were adopted on VON SNITZEL at the 800m. After taking evidence from Azhar and Ismadi and after reviewing the official patrol films, and acting on their own observations, Azhar 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 at the 800m, he failed to hold his position on the favourite, VON SNITZEL, to the inside of JERAM GLORY (M Ganeesh) which would have given him a favourable position just behind the leaders as per the Trainer’s Instruction Form, however, he elected to allow other runners to take his position and placed himself towards the rear of the field, giving away valuable ground.