Singapore Stewards Press Release
Jockey Joseph Azzopardi’s bid in appealing a one-month suspension has been dismissed.
The Panel of Stewards found Jockey J Azzopardi guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(9)(b)(i) on Sunday, 21 April 2019 following an Inquiry into an incident that occurred near the 900m in Race 3 at the Singapore Turf Club Meeting on Sunday, 21 April 2019. After taking evidence from Jockey Azzopardi, the rider of PER INPOWER, and Jockey S Noh, the rider of REDDOT RISING, Jockey Azzopardi was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(9)(b)(i) in that for some distance passing the 1000m, he deliberately shifted his mount out to a point where it made heavy contact with REDDOT RISING (S Noh) on several occasions, forcing the horse out off its course near the 900m, subsequently resulting in that horse becoming very unbalanced.
When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account his record and the nature of the charge. Jockey Azzopardi was suspended from riding in races with effect from Monday, 06 May 2019 to Wednesday, 05 June 2019 both dates inclusive (a period of one month) and was advised of his Right of Appeal.
On Monday, 22 April 2019, Jockey Azzopardi exercised his Right of Appeal against the decision of the Panel of Stewards and the penalty imposed on him.
The Appeal Panel’s Hearing of the Appeal was concluded on Monday, 06 May 2019.
After considering all of the evidence together with submissions from Jockey Azzopardi, assisted by Trainer DL Freedman and the Chief Stipendiary Steward, the Appeal Panel dismissed the Appeal against conviction and the penalty imposed by the Panel of Stewards.
He was suspended from riding in races for a period of one month with effect from Monday, 06 May 2019 to Wednesday, 05 June 2019 both dates inclusive. His deposit was forfeited.
