A jockey who appeared to deliberately jump off a favourite in a race in Malaysia earlier this year has failed in his bid to have an 18-month ban overturned.
Selangor Turf Club's appeal panel rejected the grounds for jockey Lemos "Lai Lai" De Souza's appeal against conviction at a hearing on Sunday.
De Souza was found guilty for "failing to ride to the satisfaction of stewards" when falling from favourite Pacific Power soon after the barriers opened in a race at the Kuala Lumpur racetrack on July 6.
The panel heard submissions from De Souza as well as chief steward Deanthan Moodley.
De Souza has been suspended for 18 months and fined RM50,000. He is also not allowed to reapply for his licence for another 12 months after his suspension has been served.
The Jason Ong-trained Pacific Power, who is raced by Jimmy Poh's Pacific Stable, has been beaten in three subsequent starts including last Sunday when unplaced.
Tim Rowe
