Jockey Rueven Ravindra was today disqualified six months for not weighing-in after finishing third on BLIXEM in a Class 5 - 1200m handicap here today.

Prior to the "all clear", the clerk of scales reported to the Stewards that Rueven, the rider of third place-getter BLIXEM had failed to weigh-in in accordance with MRA Rule 121(3) and as a consequence, an objection was lodged against the horse concerned. The racing stewards reviewed the CCTV footage after Rueven had returned to the scales and confirmed the clerk of scales’ report that Rueven had not weighed-in. The racing stewards upheld the objection. BLIXEM was disqualified and the placings were amended accordingly.

At the conclusion of an inquiry, Rueven pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 121(3) as read with MRA Rule 152(5)(a) for negligence in that he failed to weigh-in for BLIXEM, the third place-getter in this race. In assessing the penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Rueven’s guilty plea and mitigating factors. Rueven was disqualified for a period of six months with effect from tomorrow, 17 March 2019, and to expire on Monday, 16 September 2019, both dates inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.