Shafiq disqualified one year, fined $20k

Jockey Shafiq is facing an extended time on the sidelines through suspension.
Jockey Shafiq is facing an extended time on the sidelines through suspension.

Jockey R Shafiq has found himself in hot water after his handling of third place-getter Flak Jacket in the Class 5 (1) 1100m Handicap (race 9) at Kranji on Sunday, 26 June.

The Stewards opened in inquiry into the running and handling of Flak Jacket, ridden by R Shafiq, and after taking evidence from both jockey and trainer Shane Baertschiger, the trainer of Flak Jacket, Shafiq pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(8).

MRA Rule 44(8) states the rider “failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that his horse was given full opportunity of winning or obtaining the best possible placing.”

The particulars of the charge being that Shafiq “did fail to place his mount under any significant pressure in the straight when it was reasonable and permissible for him to do so.”

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account the serious nature of the charge, his record, guilty plea and precedent penalties. Jockey Shafiq was disqualified for a period of one year with effect from Monday, 27 June 2022 to Monday, 26 June 2023 both dates inclusive in accordance with the provisions of MRA Rule 44(8)(a). In addition, he was fined a sum of S$20,000. He was advised of his Right of Appea.
iRace
Author: iRace