29/01/2012  Shatin  Race 3

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that HAPPY DRUMMING had lost its left front plate. This plate was refitted. HAPPY DRUMMING was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. WINNING INSTINCT was slow to begin. FLASH KNIGHT was crowded for room at the start between HAPPY HOMING and PERFECT FIT which shifted out. From a wide barrier, NIGHTLIGN was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 800 Metres, HAPPY HOMING got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of HAPPY DRUMMING which shifted in when barely clear. Approaching the 800 Metres, SUPER GOODIES commenced to get its head on the side, hung out and proved difficult to ride. SUPER GOODIES continued hang out for the remainder of the race. K C Leung (SUPER GOODIES) reported that after his mount commenced to hang out, his saddle shifted to the right hand side. The performance of SUPER GOODIES was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER GOODIES will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend. When SUPER GOODIES hung out in the middle stages, HAPPY DRUMMING was taken wider, particularly rounding the Home Turn. Near the 250 Metres, NIGHTLIGN was steadied when disappointed for running between HEARTLAND and HAPPY DRUMMING which shifted out. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in as they were of the prima facie view that an incident had occurred inside the final 200 Metres which cast sufficient doubt on whether SUPER GOODIES should be declared the 2nd placegetter of the race. Subsequently D Beadman, the rider of FLASH KNIGHT, 3rd placegetter, lodged a protest/objection against SUPER GOODIES being declared the 2nd placegetter alleging interference to his mount over about the final 200 Metres. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the videos, the Stewards found that after the 200 Metres SUPER GOODIES shifted out, resulting in FLASH KNIGHT being hampered and taken considerably wider. Having in mind the short head margin between the two horses at the finish of the race, the Stewards were comfortably satisfied that had it not been for the interference suffered by FLASH KNIGHT that horse would have finished in front of SUPER GOODIES and therefore the protest/objection was sustained and the placings amended to read No. 3, MENTOR, 1st; No. 2, FLASH KNIGHT, 2nd; No. 7, SUPER GOODIES, 3rd; and No. 9, RADIOMARELLI, 4th. K C Leung was advised that whilst SUPER GOODIES was proving difficult to ride given that his saddle had shifted to the right hand side, in similar circumstances he must take all available measures to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. Near the 100 Metres, NIGHTLIGN and HAPPY DRUMMING raced tight. MENTOR and FLASH KNIGHT were sent for sampling.