Jockey Eleandro Lopes was suspended a total of three months after he pleaded guilty to two charges here yesterday.

In the first instance, the Stewards concluded an inquiry into the riding tactics adopted by the Brazilian on FASTNET STAR in a Metro C set-weight event over 1400m at Sungei Besi here last Saturday.

FASTNET STAR finished eighth to nine runners behind the winner PITSTOP.

After taking further evidence from Lopes, the rider of FASTNET STAR, and trainer Anna Scott, the trainer of FASTNET STAR, and viewing the official patrol films, Lopes 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. Lopes failed to ride to the trainer’s instructions to race in a midfield position when he had the opportunity to do so and restrained FASTNET STAR to the rear of the field; and

2. The Stewards were also satisfied that he failed to take a run to the inside of FOX COMMAND (App P Haris) at the 250m to improve his position where in the opinion of the Stewards there was sufficient room to do so.

In assessing the penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Lopes’ mitigating factors, previous riding record and his submissions on penalty. Acting on the provisions of MRA Rule 48(5), the Stewards deferred the commencement of Lopes’ suspension. He was suspended from riding in races for a period of two months with effect from Feb 2 to Apr 1, both dates inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.

Later, the Stewards also concluded an inquiry into the riding tactics adopted on MAIBOY LOLLIPOP in a Metro D event over 2000m also run last Saturday.

MAIBOY LOLLIPOP finished fifth to BIG SURPRISE in the set-weight event.

After taking further evidence from Lopes, the rider of MAIBOY LOLLIPOP, and viewing the official patrol films, Lopes 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 from the 1900m, he raced in an extremely wide position until the 800m when in the early stages, he had the opportunity to move closer to the rail and gain cover with the other horses in the event. This horse continued to race three-wide for the remainder of the event to finish four lengths from the winner.