INQUIRY  INTO THE RUNNING AND HANDLING OF “EMPHATIC” RIDDEN BY APP S SIA IN RACE 7 (R470) – CLASS 4(A) – 1100M – SUNDAY, 30^th APRIL 2023 – PENANG APRIL MEETING 2023 

The Stipendiary Stewards concluded an inquiry into the above race today, Friday, 12^th May 2023 at Perak Turf Club.

Evidence were taken from App S Sia, the rider of EMPHATIC and his master Trainer R Lines, the trainer of EMPHATIC and telephonic evidence of Jockey L De Souza, the rider of SUPER HERO.  After reviewing the videos of the race and considering all evidence, App S Sia in the presence of his master Trainer R Lines was found guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) as read with MRA Rule 44(8)(a) in that whilst riding EMPHATIC in the above race, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that EMPHATIC was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best possible placing.

The particulars of the charge are that:

• From about the 800M to the 600M, he unnecessarily restrained EMPHATIC, resulting in EMPHATIC throwing its head up on a number of occasions and losing considerable ground which was unreasonable and permissible to do so;
• From about the 600M to the 400M, he sat quietly on EMPHATIC and failed to improve his position, when there was an opportunity to do so.
• From the 300M, he failed to ride EMPHATIC with sufficient vigour and determination.

In assessing the penalty, the Stipendiary Stewards took into consideration App S Sia’s disciplinary record and mitigating factors.  App S Sia was disqualified from riding in races for a period of one (1) year, with immediate effect from today, Friday, 12^th May 2023 and to expire on 11^th May 2024, both dates inclusive.   He was advised of his right of appeal (4.35pm).

APPEAL BY JOCKEY AK LIM [LlM AUN KEAN] AGAINST THE THREE (3)  MONTHS SUSPENSION IMPOSED BY THE PANEL OF STEWARDS UNDER MRA RULE 44(10) IN CONNECTION WITH HIS RIDING AND HANDLING OF “MAESTRO” IN RACE 2 (R268) – CLASS 4(A) – 1600M (SC) –2^ND DAY, SUNDAY,  12^TH MARCH 2023 – PERAK TURF CLUB MARCH MEETING 2023.

The Appellate Panel of Stewards heard the above appeal today, Friday, 12^th May 2023.

After hearing the submissions of Jockey AK Lim and his witness, Trainer I.Ismadi, the trainer of MAESTRO and Senior Stipendiary Steward, and after reviewing the videos of the race, the Appellate Panel dismissed his appeal and confirmed the three months suspension imposed.   Jockey AK Lim’s three (3) months suspension will commence from Monday, 15^th May 2023 to expire on 14^th August 2023, both dates inclusive.  In addition, his deposit is forfeited.