Jockey handed one year suspension after testing positive for crystal meth
Jockey handed one year suspension after testing positive for crystal meth
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An experienced jockey has been given a one-year ban after testing positive for crystal meth. Ruzaini Supien, 37, has ridden more than 400 winners in Malaysia where he is based and had 27 on the board during the current racing season. He rode 65 winners during the previous campaign, his best in the saddle. He rode his latest winner at Selangor Turf Club last month, the same day he was asked to provide a urine sample.
Two weeks later he was summoned before stewards who held an inquiry after the sample was found to contain methamphetamine. Also known as crystal meth, it is a prohibited substance under Malayan Racing Association rules. Ruzaini, one of the region's most popular riders, pleaded guilty to a charge and his admission was taken into consideration in the determination of a penalty. The stewards also considered the nature of the substance involved, mitigating factors and the jockey’s submissions on sentence.
The panel suspended Ruzaini from riding in races for a period of 12 months, backdated from 18 January 2025 and to expire on 17 January 2026, both dates inclusive. He was also fined £5,000 while retaining the right of appeal. Stewards advised Ruzaini that if he decided to apply for another licence at the end of the sentence he would be required to complete a drug testing programme. Selangor is one of three turf clubs in Malaysia, the others are Penang and Perak, which are overseen by the Malayan Racing Association, where horse racing has been staged since 1896.
