RACE 1 (R183) CLASS 5 (A) – 1200M (SHORT COURSE A)
CHINESE NEW YEAR STAKES
SMIDDY BYRNE (App S Uzair) which was slowly away and behind, was shifted wide to make progress from approaching the 500M but thereafter laid out, and raced very wide approaching the 400M.
LIKA TIGER (AK Lim) over-raced without cover in the early stages. Jockey AK Lim reported after the race that his horse was making respiratory noises. A post-race veterinary examination of LIKA TIGER revealed no significant finding. LIKA TIGER which was beaten 18 1/2 lengths, will be required to pass a 1000M/vet test before being declared to race again for having a poor performance.
The Stewards questioned Trainer S Siva into the improved performance of MR EPIC (R Rueven). He stated that in his opinion, MR EPIC preferred to race in his home-base and was carrying a light weight today. He added that he had not specifically instructed Jockey R Rueven to take the lead but told him to sit where the gelding was comfortable and he was able to take the lead easily as there was a lack of competition to do so.

RACE 2 (R184) CLASS 5 (A) – 1200M (SHORT COURSE A)
LUCKY STAR STAKES
CHAIRMAN WIND (AM Aizat) was slow to begin.
GOLDHILL PRINCESS (J De Souza) was slow to find its stride.
SATELLITE GOLDEN (S Ruzaini) over-raced in the early stages and as a consequence, took the lead approaching the 800M contrary to the riding instructions given. Thereafter SATELLITE GOLDEN laid outwards at about the 600M and in doing so, caused BLIXEM (J Low) and AMAZING (App S Uzair) to be taken wide.
AMAZING (App S Uzair) which was taken wide between the 600M and the 400M, continued to lay outwards in the straight and finished wide out.
SCRAT (M Ganeesh) laid inwards under pressure approaching the 200M.
When questioned about the performance of SATELLITE GOLDEN, Jockey S Ruzaini stated that the gelding appeared to have a nervous temperament, became excitable, and was impossible to control in the race itself. He added that he will encourage the Trainer to try different gear in future.

RACE 3 (R185) CLASS 4 (A) – 1200M (SHORT COURSE A)
HAPPINESS AND PEACE STAKES
This race was rescheduled to start at 2:20pm.
GOOD DEAL (M Ganeesh) was slow to begin. Bearing in mind that GOOD DEAL was slow to find its stride on its 2 previous starts on 6 January 2019 and 19 January 2019, and prior to that, stood still as the barrier opened on 6 December 2018, GOOD DEAL will be required to pass a 1000M/vet (from the starting stall) test before being declared to race again, to demonstrate that he is able to jump on terms.
In the early stages, LIM’S SINCERE (HS Gill) was briefly crowded between D’GREAT EMINENCE (KC Wong) on the inside and VOYAGER (SU Lim) on the outside.
SATTAR (S Ruzaini) which got its head up on jumping, commenced to over-race at the 1000M and had to be restrained to avoid running onto the heels of D’GREAT EMINENCE.
DANZEB (O Chavez) raced wide in the middle stages.
At about the 600M, UNSURPASSED (HK Cheng) had to be eased to avoid the heels of D’GREAT EMINENCE.
Approaching the 500M, ELTORDILLO (App A Zaimuddin) had to be eased to avoid the heels of MORE POWER (J De Souza).
VOYAGER (SU Lim), which was outpaced in the middle stages, commenced to rally at the 400M and was denied clear running between the 300M and the 200M, and had to be switched repeatedly outwards and shifted abruptly across the heels of MORE POWER (J De Souza) in order to obtain a clear passage approaching the 100M.
After the race, the Stewards interviewed Trainer SY Lim as to why the winner, EL TORDILLO had been taken into the enclosure for post-race winning photographs prior to the weigh-in. Trainer SY Lim explained that the member of staff who led the horse in became over excited. The Stewards reminded Trainer SY Lim that it is his responsibility to ensure that the weigh-in is not unnecessarily delayed, and to ensure that his staff are aware of the correct procedure, failing which, action may be taken against him.

RACE 4 (R186) OPEN NOVICE (SW) – 1200M (SHORT COURSE A)
SAFAR GEMILANG CUP 2
This race was rescheduled to start at 2:50pm.
Approaching the 1100M, CONFEAT (O Chavez) laid abruptly inwards causing WAR DRAGON (Y Aify) which shied away from CONFEAT and crowded READY TO FORCE (J De Souza), SWIFT EMBRACE (App A Zaimuddin) and SATELLITE MASTER (Z Khairil). After reviewing the vision of this incident, it was established that no particular rider was to be blamed for this incident and as such the Stewards deemed it as a racing incident.
Jockey C Goon, the rider of AMERICA TYCOON, reported that his horse raced greenly.

At the conclusion of an inquiry, Jockey O Chavez, the rider of CONFEAT, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under MRA Rule 44(9)(a)(ii) in that approaching the 200M, he shifted inwards when not clear of READY TO FORCE (J De Souza) causing Jockey J De Souza to ease and shift outwards for clear running.
In assessing the penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Jockey O Chavez’s guilty plea, mitigating factors, previous riding record and his submissions on penalty. He was suspended from riding in races for a period of two (2) Malaysian race days with effect from 11 February 2019 and to expire on 17 February 2019, both dates inclusive. He was advised of his Right of Appeal (3:15pm).

RACE 5 (R187) CLASS 3 – 1200M (SHORT COURSE A)
SAFAR GEMILANG STAKE
This race was rescheduled to start at 3:30pm and was run in heavy rain.
LUCKY JUSTICE (AM Aizat) jumped outwards.
PISCES STAR (App S Uzair) was slow to begin.
GABBAR (App A Zaimuddin) laid inwards on jumping and briefly crowded FIRST COMMAND (R Rueven).
BLACK THORN (M Ganeesh) showed no pace in the early stages despite being urged.
Approaching the 800M, L’APPRENTI SORCIER (S Salee) was eased to avoid the heels of HATTA (S Ruzaini).
All riders returned to scale an average of 2kgs overweight due to the adverse weather conditions.

RACE 6 (R188) OPEN MAIDEN (WFA) – 1400M (LONG COURSE A)
SAFAR247 ASIA PACIFIC CUP
This race was rescheduled to start at 4pm.
Prior to the running of this race, Trainer F Maynard, the trainer of D’GREAT RUN (KC Wong) informed the Stewards that the gelding would be ridden well-back in the field on this occasion. In the early stages D’GREAT RUN raced keenly when restrained.
L’KEN (C Goon) was slow to begin.
PREMIUM RUSH (I Saifudin) was slow to begin, and had to be urged to recover its position in the early stages. At about the 1100M, PREMIUM RUSH was steadied to avoid the heels of PACIFIC PEARL (J Low).
Approaching the 1200M, ELITE ROCKET (App A Zaimuddin) laid inwards causing GENERAL MARSHALL (HS Gill) to be crowded on his inside, whereupon GENERAL MARSHALL commenced to over-race and got its head up in response to being restrained.
Approaching the 400M, SUPREME SUPREME (SU Lim) laid outwards and negotiated the bend with difficulty, causing PACIFIC PEARL, which was following, to be carried wide and JEFFREY (J Mallyon) and L’KEN, which were following PACIFIC PEARL, to be taken wide out.
Approaching the 150M, PACIFIC PEARL shifted abruptly inwards in response to the rider changing his whip to the right hand. PACIFIC PEARL was eased and corrected at about the 100M.
All riders returned to scale an average of 1kg overweight due to the adverse weather conditions.
When questioned as to the front running tactics employed on ELITE ROCKET (App A Zaimuddin) which dead-heated for second placing, Trainer BT Lim stated that he had instructed the rider to sit wherever comfortable. ELITE ROCKET had raced well-back in the field in its previous start but Trainer BT Lim explained that in his opinion, the gelding which is still a maiden, does not really have an established racing pattern. He added that the longer distance and lower class of today’s race had enabled ELITE ROCKET to race more prominently without coming under undue pressure. The Stewards accepted his explanation.

RACE 7 (R189) CLASS 4 (A) – 1400M (LONG COURSE A)
SAFAR247 STAKES
This race was rescheduled to start at 4:35pm.
Acting on veterinary advice that MR PAULANDRE (Z Khairil) was caught up in the gate whilst being loaded and had sustained laceration over the left stifle and flank, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of the gelding at 4:40pm. MR PAULANDRE will be required to undergo a veterinary examination before being declared to race again.
ELITE CONQUEROR (App A Zaimuddin) stood still as the gates opened and was very slow to begin. App A Zaimuddin stated that ELITE CONQUEROR was installed for a long time before the start was effected and had lost concentration. The gelding will be required to pass a 1000M/vet (from the starting stall) test before being declared to race again to demonstrate that it is capable of jumping on terms. A post-race veterinary examination of ELITE CONQUEROR revealed no significant finding.
Approaching the 200M, MR HOPKINS (S Ruzaini) was disappointed for a run on the heels of ELITE CONQUEROR and had to be shifted outwards to obtain a clear passage.
All riders returned to scale an average of 1kg overweight due to the adverse weather conditions.
Jockey O Chavez, the rider of BRILLIANT DEAL, reported to the Stewards post-race that his instructions were to take a handy position but he felt that the early pace was slow, and it would be advantageous to take the lead, which he did at the 800M.
Jockey KC Wong, the rider of RAINBOW FISH, reported that his horse stumbled in the first few strides. After reviewing the vision of the incident, the Stewards established that the stumble had not affected RAINBOW FISH’s momentum to a significant degree.

RACE 9 (R191) CLASS 4 (B) – 1400M (LONG COURSE A)
GREAT WEALTH STAKES
This race was rescheduled to start at 5:40pm.
SOON SEEKER (I Saifudin) was slow to find its stride.
CASEY (S Ruzaini) which drew a wide barrier, raced wide throughout.
OPTIMUS (KC Wong) laid inwards under pressure from the 200M.
An inquiry was commenced into the running and handling of CHAR KWAY TEOW. The Stewards took initial evidence from Jockey M Ganeesh and Trainer BT Lim, the representative for Trainer C Leck, the Trainer of CHAR KWAY TEOW. The Stewards adjourned the inquiry to a date to be fixed. A post-race veterinary examination of CHAR KWAY TEOW revealed no significant finding.
Trainer S Edwards was questioned regarding the disappointing performance of DROUGHT (Z Khairil). He explained that in his opinion, the rain-affected track would not have suited the gelding and added that DROUGHT is light-framed and as such may have struggled to carry top weight of 59kgs in today’s race. A post-race veterinary examination of DROUGHT revealed no significant finding. The Stewards, on 15 February 2019 at the Selangor Turf Club, concluded an inquiry into the running and handling of CHAR KWAY TEOW in the above race. They took evidence from Jockey M Ganeesh and Trainer C Leck, the rider and trainer of CHAR KWAY TEOW. Also present to give evidence were the Starter, Assistant Starter and Barrier Attendant Khangharam Choudhary.
Trainer C Leck stated that he had instructed M Ganeesh to ride CHAR KWAY TEOW wherever comfortable, but above all not to rush the gelding in the early stages. He added that CHAR KWAY TEOW had displayed difficult barrier manners in two recent Barrier Practices and demonstrated a tendency to rear up. As such, Jockey M Ganeesh, who had ridden him in both practices, requested for the gelding to be attended to prevent a recurrence. Having reviewed the vision of the start, both Trainer C Leck and Jockey M Ganeesh stated that CHAR KWAY TEOW was responsible for his own slow jump in that the gelding shifted backwards just before the gate opened. They added that although Khangharam Choudhary had released his grip on the bridle slightly too late after the gate had opened, this had no material effect.
After reviewing the vision of the whole race after the jump, and hearing further evidence, Jockey M Ganeesh was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(10) in that he failed to ride CHAR KWAY TEOW to the satisfaction of the Stewards. The particulars of the charge were:
i)      Between about the 850M and the 650M, he made insufficient effort to improve his position when a clear opportunity was available to do so by progressing into the gap between DROUGHT on the outside and SOON SEEKER on the inside.
ii)     From just before the 400M to just before the 200M, he used his whip in a manner different to his normal style of riding a finish and which appeared to be less effective, in that several of his attempted strikes made little or no contact.
In assessing the penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Jockey M Ganeesh’s riding record, his mitigating factors and his submissions on penalty. He was suspended from riding in races for a period of one month. This suspension will commence on 18 February 2019, to be served consecutively following the completion of his suspension from Monday, 11 February 2019 until Sunday, 17 February 2019, both dates inclusive (2 Malaysian race days).
An application to defer the commencement of the suspension under the terms of MRA Rule 48(5) was refused. Jockey M Ganeesh was advised of his Right of Appeal against both the suspension imposed and the refusal to defer its commencement.
Jockey M Ganeesh subsequently exercised his Right of Appeal against the refusal to defer the commencement of his suspension, on the grounds that he had provisionally accepted mounts for the Selangor Turf Club race day on Saturday, 23 February 2019. A list of seven (7) potential mounts was provided to the Racing Stewards who will deliberate on his appeal.

RACE 10 (R192) CLASS 5 (A) – 1600M (LONG COURSE A)
BRIGHT FUTURE STAKES
This race was rescheduled to start at 6:05pm.
BLUE EYED BOY (J Mallyon) stood still briefly as the gates opened and forfeited ground.
REAL MEAN (J De Souza) jumped slowly and awkwardly inwards and got behind in the early stages as a consequence.
At about the 500M, M SEVEN (S Ruzaini) shifted slightly outwards causing SWIFT (SU Lim) which was following, to be briefly inconvenienced.
Approaching 400M, D’GREAT SWIFT (KC Wong) shifted inwards under a right-hand drive causing STREET OF LONDON (Z Khairil) to be eased in order to avoid the heels of D’GREAT SWIFT. Jockey KC Wong was warned to take greater care to keep his horses straight under similar circumstances in future.
At about the 400M, TOP TURF (HK Cheng) shifted abruptly inwards.
Trainer R Lines was questioned regarding the disappointing performance of D’GREAT SWIFT (KC Wong). He added that D’GREAT SWIFT is a particularly small horse and that prior to the race, he had suggested to the owner that it might be best to engage a claiming rider as D’GREAT SWIFT was allocated top weight of 59kgs. However, the owner preferred to engage Jockey KC Wong who does not claim. Trainer R Lines was of the opinion that the weight carried may have contributed to the gelding’s disappointing performance. A post-race veterinary examination of D’GREAT SWIFT revealed no significant finding.

A post-race veterinary examination of LIM’S MASTER (App A Zaimuddin) revealed that the gelding returned exhibiting signs of respiratory distress and as such will be required to pass a 1000M/vet test before being declared to race again.