Singapore Stewards
HEARING OF AN APPEAL BY JOCKEY J SEE AGAINST THE DECISION OF THE STEWARDS AND THE PENALTY IMPOSED ON HIM AFTER BEING FOUND GUILTY OF A CHARGE UNDER MRA RULE 44(8) RELATING TO HIS RIDING OF SMOKE AND MIRRORS IN RACE 8 AT THE SINGAPORE TURF CLUB MEETING ON SUNDAY, 22 AUGUST 2021
On Sunday, 22 August 2021, the Stewards inquired into the running and handling of SMOKE AND MIRRORS in Race 8 at the Singapore Turf Club Meeting on Sunday, 22 August 2021. After taking evidence from Jockey J See (pictured) and Trainer J Ong, the Trainer of SMOKE AND MIRRORS, Jockey J See pleaded not guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) in that he, as the rider of SMOKE AND MIRRORS, in Race 8, the Class 5, Division 2, 1200m, failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that his horse was given full opportunity of winning or of obtaining the best possible placing.
2 The particulars being:
- from the 500m until the 400m, he did fail to shift outwards onto the back of BIG DAY to afford himself the best opportunity to obtain clear running when it was reasonable and permissible for him to do so;
- from the 400m until approaching the 200m, he did fail to shift outwards from behind BIG DAY into clear running when it was reasonable and permissible to do so; and
- from the 400m until the Winning Post, he did fail to ride his mount with sufficient vigour and determination and on several occasions, did feign the use of the whip not making contact with the horse.
3 Jockey J See sought and was granted an adjournment to allow him to prepare his further submissions.
4 On Friday, 27 August 2021, the Inquiry was concluded into Jockey J See’s riding of SMOKE AND MIRRORS in Race 8, the Class 5, Division 2, 1200m, run at the Singapore Turf Club Meeting on Sunday, 22 August 2021.
5 After hearing further submissions for Jockey J See, the Stewards believed that the charge under MRA Rule 44(8) that had been levelled against him could be sustained and he was formally found guilty of the charge.
6 In regard to penalty, the Stewards considered Jockey J See’s personal circumstances, the serious nature of the charge and his poor disciplinary record in regard to breaches of this Rule.
7 Jockey J See was disqualified for a period of two years with immediate effect from Friday, 27 August 2021 to Saturday, 26 August 2023 both dates inclusive. In addition, he was fined a sum of S$50,000. He was advised of his Right of Appeal.
8 On Friday, 27 August 2021, Jockey J See exercised his Right of Appeal against the decision of the Stewards and the penalty imposed on him. He subsequently applied for a Stay of Sentence. After giving consideration to the matter on Friday, 27 August 2021, a Stay of Sentence was denied by the Panel of Stewards.
9 The Appeal Panel’s Hearing of the Appeal was concluded on Wednesday, 06 October 2021.
After considering all of the evidence together with submissions from Jockey J See and the Chief Stipendiary Steward, the Appeal Panel dismissed the Appeal against conviction. In regard to penalty, the disqualification was reduced to a period of eighteen months with effect from Friday, 27 August 2021 to Sunday, 26 February 2023 both dates inclusive. In addition, the fine was varied to a sum of S$25,000. His deposit was forfeited.
