Malaysian riders HK Cheng and S Saddam have been banned by stewards for failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that their mounts had the best opportunity to obtain the highest possible placing.
Both jockeys have been disqualified for a period of one year, effective immediately.
An inquiry was initiated on Friday, January 5th, 2024, into the running and handling of LIM’S HOPEFULLY, ridden by HK Cheng. After considering additional evidence on January 6th, 2024, provided by Jockey HK Cheng’s witnesses – Jockeys S Ruzaini (STARDICE), AK Lim (AUTUMN BLISS), and A Suriya (ARROGATE ACHIEVER) – and reviewing the race videos, the Panel of Stewards re-examined and deliberated on the matter.
At the conclusion of the inquiry on Saturday, January 6th, 2024, the Panel of Stewards found Jockey HK Cheng guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(8), in conjunction with MRA Rule 44(8)(a), for failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that LIM’S HOPEFULLY had a full opportunity to secure the best possible placing.
The specific charges against him are as follows:
He held back his mount from the 1000M to 700M despite the opportunity to follow STARDICE, which would have been reasonable to do so.
He severely held back and checked his mount between 600M to 400M, resulting in LIM’S HOPEFULLY losing considerable ground.
When determining the penalty, the Panel of Stewards considered Jockey HK Cheng’s riding records and mitigating factors. He has been disqualified from riding in races for one year, effective from January 6th, 2024, to expire on January 5th, 2025, inclusive. Additionally, he was fined RM30,000. He has been informed of his right to appeal.
Following an inquiry into the running and handling of LOOKS GOOD , evidence was taken from Jockey S Saddam and Trainer KF Wong, the rider and the trainer of LOOKS GOOD, respectively. Jockey S Saddam, the rider of LOOKS GOOD, was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(8), in conjunction with MRA Rule 44(8)(a), for failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that LOOKS GOOD had the best opportunity to secure the highest possible placing.
The specific charges against him are:
Despite obtaining a mid-field position as instructed, he failed to maintain and improve his position as directed from the 800M-mark, resulting in his mount being in the last position at the 600M-mark.
From the 600M-mark to the finish, he failed to ride LOOKS GOOD with sufficient vigor and determination despite his mount running strongly.
In determining the penalty, the Panel of Stewards considered Jockey S Saddam’s riding records and mitigating factors. He has been disqualified from riding in races for one year, effective immediately from January 6th, 2024, to expire on January 5th, 2025, inclusive. Additionally, he was fined RM30,000. He has been advised of his right to appeal
