RWITC disqualify Saddle Up, trainer

Sait8217;s suspension will run after the expiry of another one being served at the moment, that penalises the trainer for six months commencing September 7, 1999 and ending on March 6, 2000. The current suspension was slapped after Jazzmania tested positive on February 18, 1999 after running The Enterprising Trophy.

Dr Thomas Tobin, one of the team that conducted DNA tests, on the horse, flew in from the US to present evidence to substantiate his contention that Saddle Up8217;s urine samples were contaminated. The DNA tests were carried out at the instance of PKDaruwalla, managing director of United Racing and Bloodstock Breeders Ltd. However, the DNA findings were ignored by the RWITC Stewards who claimed that the tests were out of the framework of its rules.

Sait told The Indian Express that he will appeal against the verdict.The verdict notwithstanding, Saddle Up will contest the Eve Champion Trophy 8212; the main event of the 10th day of the Pune Meeting to be held on Saturday.

Ashwin Mehta, president of Western India Race Horse Owner8217;s Association WIRHOA and an elected member of the RWITC Board of Appeal, acted as spokesman for Sait after resigning from the post.