Apprentice Joseph See was yesterday disqualified one year for his ride on PERFECT CHALLENGER in a Kranji Staked D event over 1600m at Kranji here last Nov 6.

The New Zealand gelding came from the last at the home turn to finish fifth to KING SAVINSKY.

The inquiry into the running and riding of PERFECT CHALLENGERwas concluded yesterday. After taking evidence from See, his master, trainer Mok Zhun Loon and trainer Tan Hai Wang, the trainer of PERFECT CHALLENGER, See was found guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) for failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to obtain the best possible placing. The particulars of the charge are:

1. in that between the 550m and until approaching the 400m, he failed to make sufficient effort to improve his position when it was reasonable and permissible to do so;

2. in that from the 400m to the 350m, he failed to ride with sufficient vigour and determination; and

3. in that from near the 250m until the 100m, he failed to ride with sufficient vigour and determination.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account the nature of the charge and his record. See was disqualified for a period of one year with immediate effect from Feb 4 to Feb 3 next year, both dates inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.

Today, See exercised his right of appeal against the decision of the panel of stewards and the penalty imposed on him. He subsequently applied for a stay of sentence.

After hearing and considering submissions from See today, his application for a stay of sentence was denied by the panel of stewards.

The appeal will be heard at a date to be fixed.