Fairway's Turf Online

Zulfikri suspended four months

KUALA LUMPUR: Apr 22, 2015

Apprentice Mohamad Zulfikri Mpohamad Salim, who was handed a three-month suspension by the stewards in Penang last week for his ride on ROYAL GREEN, was today given another suspension for his handling of SAM THE MAN at Sungei Besi last Saturday.

SAM THE MAN finished fourth to DIRAC in a Class 4 - 1100m sprint.

The Stewards concluded an inquiry into Zulfikri’s ride on SAM THE MAN at the Selangor Turf Club today. Evidence was taken from Zulfikri in the presence of his master, trainer Richard Lines. Initial evidence was also taken from trainer PS Kumaran.

After viewing the official patrol films of this event and considering the evidence tendered, the Stewards acting on their own observations, found Zulfikri guilty and which he pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(10) for failing to ride to the satisfaction of the Stewards. The particulars of the charge were that he did not ride SAM THE MAN to the satisfaction of the Stewards in that approaching the 200m, he failed to ride with sufficient vigour to allow his horse to finish in the best possible placing and was beaten three-quarter length.

In assessing the penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Zulfikri’s guilty plea, mitigating factors, previous riding record and his submissions on penalty. The Stewards also took into consideration the interference suffered by SAM THE MAN at the 350m and the consequences of that interference. He was suspended from riding in races for a period of four months with immediate effect today to Aug 21, both dates inclusive, to be served concurrently with his current suspension. He was also fined RM10,000 and advised of his right of appeal.