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During an enquiry held after the last race into the running and riding of b m LAKE SUNRISE, with particular reference as to the reasons why the mare was held in restrain by its rider soon after the start and continued to do so during the early and middle stages of the race thereby placing the mare in a position of disadvantage, trainer Bharath Singh stated that :-

a) He had instructed his jockey not to take a level start by approximately five to six lengths and not to put his charge to the test in the early and middle stages of the race as the mare was suited for the shorter sprint races as was evident by its record.

b) He had accepted the mare to run in the race purely for the reason that the race would otherwise be declared null and void due to paucity of runners and, therefore, he was satisfied with the performance of his charge securing the 4th place prize money.

c) The mare would be retiring from racing shortly for Stud duties.

Jockey Md Islam, the rider of LAKE SUNRISE, when questioned corroborated the trainer’s instructions and stated that he rode his mount as instructed by the trainer.

At the conclusion of the enquiry Mr. Bharath Singh was found guilty under Rule 159(a) i.e., “every horse shall be run on its merits….etc” However, keeping in view the following mitigating circumstances :-

a) the trainer’s contention that the mare was suited for the shorter sprint races as was evident by its record; and

b) the trainer’s statement that the mare would be retiring from racing shortly for Stud duties; The Stewards decided to fine Mr. Bharath Singh a sum of Rs. 20,000/-. Further, the Stewards taking into account the mitigating factors i.e., the trainer’s instructions to the jockey, found Jockey Md. Islam, the rider of LAKE SUNRISE, guilty under Rule 161(ii) for unsatisfactory riding and decided to fine him a sum of Rs. 5,000/-. Both Tr. Bharath Singh and Jockey Md. Islam were informed of their right to appeal.