The level of no nonsense policing of racing in Singapore was demonstrated in a recent finding by the Stewards of the Singapore Turf Club that a trainer was not spending enough time at his yard.
On Thursday, 13 February 2020, the Stewards concluded an Inquiry regarding Trainer D Koh complying with the MRA Rules concerning his level of attendance at his Stables. Evidence was also taken from Assistant Trainers Mr SH Lee and Mr YF Leong.
Trainer D Koh also tendered letters of support from all his owners, stables and registered riders that are regularly engaged by Trainer D Koh to ride trackwork.
After considering all the evidence, Trainer D Koh was found in breach of the provisions of MRA Rule 36(2) in that for an extended period during the month of December 2019, he was overseas and had failed to seek approval in writing to be absent from his Stables.
Trainer D Koh was fined a sum of S$2,000. Trainer D Koh was also issued with an official direction outlining certain conditions regarding his level of attendance at the Stables and trackwork that he needs to comply with and which will be reviewed before the end of the 2020 Racing Season.
This direction was issued in accordance with the provisions of MRA Rule 152(5)(b) which reads:
MRA Rule 152 (5) – Any person licensed or registered by the Association may be disqualified, suspended, fined and/or warned:If he shall disobey the orders of the Stewards or those they appoint.’
The Singapore Turf Club Security Department also monitors social media activity.
On Friday, 14 February 2020, the Stewards concluded an Inquiry into comments allegedly posted on social media by registered Groom Mr Mohd Aizuddin Akmal Bin Mohd Hassanee.
Evidence was submitted by Mr Mohd Aizuddin Akmal Bin Mohd Hassanee and the Stewards considered a report and a statement of interview tendered by the Singapore Turf Club Security Department.
Mr Mohd Aizuddin Akmal Bin Mohd Hassanee pleaded guilty to a charge under MRA Rule 152(3)(a) which reads:
No person shall act in a manner which in the opinion of the Committee or the Local Committee or the Stewards is or may be prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct or good reputation of horse racing in Singapore and/or Malaysia
In that he did post on social media on 10 February 2020 comments which in the opinion of the Stewards were prejudicial to the good reputation of horse racing in Singapore.
When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account his forthright and contrite evidence and the nature of the charge. Mr Mohd Aizuddin Akmal Bin Mohd Hassanee was subsequently fined a sum of S$500.
