WORLD HARMONY, a narrow winner in a Class 4 - 1100m handicap here on Jan 18, has been disqualified from the race after returning a positive swab.

Trained by Cecil Robert and ridden by Yudanyl Aify, the New Zealand gelding battled to victory by a head over PRE DAWN, who has been promoted to first place.

The Stewards conducted an inquiry into the above matter at the Penang Turf Club today. Evidence was taken from Robert, Professor Dr Tan Soo Choon, chief analyst, USains Holding Sdn. Bhd. and Dr Cheong Chee Ken, veterinary surgeon of Penang Turf Club.

Robert pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 134(6)(a) as read with MRA Rule 134(13) and punishable under Rule 134(7) in that he, being the rrainer and person responsible, had raced the horse "WORLD HARMONY" which won Race 8 at the Penang Turf Club on Sunday, Jan 18, after which a urine sample coded "06858" taken from this horse returned positive to prohibited substances under the MRA Rules, namely "Naproxen" and "Diclofenac".

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account Robert’s guilty plea, mitigating factors and his disciplinary record. Robert was fined the sum of RM20,000. He was advised of his right of appeal.

Under the provision of MRA Rule 134(11), WORLD HARMONY was disqualified from the race and the race result amended accordingly.