JP van der Merwe was handed a one-year suspension in Singapore for a ride in September last year and it was reduced to six months on appeal (https://www.turftalk.co.za/jps-ban-reduced-on-appeal/).

He made his comeback on the Fairview Poly today and was immediately among the winners, riding the Gavin Smith-trained Pianta to victory in the first race.

Smith scored a four-timer on the day to make it 83 winners for the season, five better than arch rival Alan Greeff.

Picture: Archives