Apprentice Salim suspended two months

SINGAPORE:  Jan 19, 2016

Apprentice Salim Yusof was today handed a two-month suspension for his handling of STAR GENIUS in a Restricted Maiden - 1100m event on Jan 10.

The Australian filly, making her race debut, came from second last of 12 runners at the home turn to finish second, beaten a neck, to BEST JADE on the polytrack.

The inquiry into the run of STAR GENIUS was concluded today. Salim, the rider of STAR GENIUS, in the presence of his master, trainer David Kok, pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(10) in that he failed to improve his position between the 800m and the 400m when it would have been reasonable and the Stewards would have expected him to do so.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account his record, guilty plea, the nature of the charge and submissions from Salim that he has been engaged to ride at the Singapore Race Meetings on Friday, Jan 22, and Sunday, Jan 24.　 The Stewards determined to suspend his licence to ride in races and acting under MRA Rule 48(5), the commencement of the suspension was deferred to begin on Jan 25 until Thursday, Mar 24, both dates inclusive (a period of two months).　 He was advised of his right of appeal.