Singapore Stewards’ Press Release
HEARING OF AN APPEAL BY JOCKEY O CHAVEZ AGAINST THE DECISION OF THE STEWARDS AND THE PENALTY IMPOSED ON HIM AFTER BEING FOUND GUILTY OF A CHARGE UNDER MRA RULE 44(10) RELATING TO HIS RIDING OF SOUSUI IN RACE 2 AT THE SINGAPORE TURF CLUB MEETING ON SATURDAY, 14 MAY 2022
The Inquiry into the handling of SOUSUI (O Chavez) in Race 2 at the Singapore Turf Club Meeting on Saturday, 14 May 2022 was concluded on Thursday, 19 May 2022.
After taking evidence from Jockey O Chavez (pictured), the rider of SOUSUI, and Trainer H Takaoka, the Trainer of SOUSUI, and Mr H Ryohei, Trainer H Takaoka’s Assistant Trainer, Jockey Chavez was charged under MRA Rule 44(10) in that he failed to ride to the satisfaction of the Stewards. The specifics of the charge being:
(1) that approaching and passing the 900m, after initially being crowded slightly to the inside by DIXIT DOMINUS (M Lerner), he did continue to unnecessarily restrain his mount, resulting in that gelding losing ground; and
(2) that he did fail to ride with sufficient vigour and determination in the homestraight.
Jockey Chavez pleaded not guilty to the charge and after taking further submissions from all parties, the Stewards elected to withdraw Particular 1 of the charge but sustained the charge based on Particular 2.
In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account the nature of the charge, his disciplinary record, personal circumstances, precedent penalties and submissions from Jockey Chavez that he has been engaged to ride at the Singapore Race Meeting on Saturday, 21 May 2022. Jockey Chavez was suspended from riding in races for a period of three months with effect from Sunday, 22 May 2022 until Sunday, 21 August 2022, both dates inclusive. He was advised of his Right of Appeal.
On Friday, 20 May 2022, Jockey Chavez 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 Saturday, 21 May 2022, his application for a Stay of Sentence was granted by the Panel of Stewards on Saturday, 21 May 2022.
The Appeal Panel’s Hearing of the Appeal was concluded on Saturday, 25 June 2022.
After considering all of the evidence together with submissions from Jockey Chavez, his Legal Counsel, Trainer H Takaoka, Trainer of SOUSUI, and the Chief Stipendiary Steward, the Appeal Panel dismissed the Appeal against the decision of the Stewards. In regards to penalty and after considering the disciplinary record of Jockey Chavez, further submissions from Jockey Chavez’s Legal Counsel and the Chief Stipendiary Steward, the suspension from riding in races was enhanced to a period of five months with effect from Saturday, 25 June 2022 to Thursday, 24 November 2022 both dates inclusive. His deposit was forfeited.
