Jockey David Flores was today disqualified one year for his handling of KISS ME in a Kranji Staked D, Div 2 race over 1200m at Kranji here on Feb 22.

The Australian four-year-old by Casino Prince, trained by Alwin Tan, was second favourite at $27 and finished fourth to RISING EMPIRE.

The inquiry into the run of KISS ME in the above race was concluded today. After taking evidence from Flores and Tan, Flores was found guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) for failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to obtain the best possible placing. The particulars of the charge are:

1. in that from the 600m to the 400m, he failed to improve his position when it was reasonable and permissible to do so; and

2. he failed to ride with sufficient vigour and determination over the final 400m.

When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account the nature of the charge and his record. Flores was disqualified for a period of one year with immediate effect from today to Mar 24, 2016, both dates inclusive. He was advised of his right of appeal.