01/01/2024  Shatin  Race 7

CALIFORNIA SPANGLE (E314): Steadied when crowded passing the 200 Metres. When questioned, H Bowman stated that whilst his mount was able to lead today’s event, it did not travel as strongly as what it had when he had ridden the horse at its previous race start on 15 October 2023. He added when placed under pressure in the early part of the Home Straight CALIFORNIA SPANGLE lay in and near the 200 Metres was crowded for room by HEALTHY HAPPY and had this not have occurred, he felt CALIFORNIA SPANGLE would have finished closer to the placegetters than what it did. H Bowman pleaded guilty of a breach of Rule 100(2) in that he failed to ride CALIFORNIA SPANGLE, 7th placegetter, out to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stewards. For this breach of the Rule, H Bowman was fined a sum of $25,000. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Sent for sampling post-race. BEAUTY JOY (E058): In the middle stages got its head up and raced ungenerously. HEALTHY HAPPY (D435): Sent for sampling post-race. A Badel pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference passing the 200 Metres (see RED LION). RED LION (H115): A Badel (HEALTHY HAPPY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 200 Metres he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of CALIFORNIA SPANGLE, resulting in CALIFORNIA SPANGLE being taken in and crowded in onto RED LION, causing RED LION to lose its rightful running and be severely checked. A Badel was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Saturday, 13 January 2024 and to expire on Thursday, 18 January 2024 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 3 and the consequences grade 3 and also considered his excellent race riding record. When questioned regarding the performance of RED LION, K Teetan stated that after obtaining a tight run to the inside of CALIFORNIA SPANGLE approaching the 350 Metres, RED LION commenced to finish the race off reasonably well. He said however when severely checked passing the 200 Metres his mount lost momentum and was unable to finish the race off from that point. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FANTASTIC TREASURE (E269): Jumped only fairly. Near the 150 Metres was crowded between REWARDING TOGETHER and CALIFORNIA SPANGLE which shifted out after being crowded by HEALTHY HAPPY. REWARDING TOGETHER (D334): No report. ATULLIBIGEAL (G173): From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. TAJ DRAGON (H164): Sent for sampling post-race.