18/02/2024  Shatin  Race 1

STARSHIP EIGHTY (H022): From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Sent for sampling post-race. FASTPASS (H040): Bumped at the start. Near the 350 Metres shifted out and away from DIAMOND WINNER and made contact with GREEN LASER. COPARTNER ERA (C534): L Hewitson (JOYFUL CHAMPION) pleaded guilty to a charge of improper riding [Rule 100(1)] in that between the 500 Metres and the 300 Metres he endeavoured to force a run when there was not sufficient room to do so between SUPER HORNET and COPARTNER ERA, resulting in JOYFUL CHAMPION making heavy contact with COPARTNER ERA, resulting in COPARTNER ERA becoming badly unbalanced and being taken from its rightful running and JOYFUL CHAMPION also becoming badly unbalanced and resulting in JOYFUL CHAMPION being positioned too close to the heels of SUPER HORNET. L Hewitson was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 28 February 2024 and to expire on Sunday, 17 March 2024 on which day he may resume race riding (6 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account his guilty plea, his good race riding record and the severity of the incident. An inquiry was also conducted into K C Leung’s right arm extending out in this incident and making contact with JOYFUL CHAMPION near the 400 Metres. Jockey Leung stated that he was endeavouring to ride in a competitive manner and to hold his position on the track and for this reason he placed pressure on his right rein in an endeavour to maintain that position. He added that although his right arm extended away from his body, it had not been his intention to make contact with JOYFUL CHAMPION. After considering the incident and the circumstances leading up to the 400 Metres, Jockey Leung was warned that in similar circumstances, wherever possible, he should ensure that his arm remains in the confines of his body and he must not extend his arm to make contact with any other horse or rider. K C Leung was warned in relation to using his whip forward of the saddle on a number of occasions passing the 200 Metres. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. After the race, K C Leung reported that he was instructed to take up a midfield position, but from a favourable barrier COPARTNER ERA raced more forward than what had been intended. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPIHOOD (H261): No report. BROTHER PEARL (H030): Jumped awkwardly. DIAMOND WINNER (H285): Jumped only fairly. Near the 350 Metres was shifted to the outside of JOYFUL CHAMPION to secure clear running. Near the 200 Metres A Hamelin’s whip was knocked from his grasp by the whip of M L Yeung, the rider of GREEN LASER. Sent for sampling post-race. GREEN LASER (E409): Bumped near the 350 Metres. GENERAL WINNER (E376): After the race, B Thompson stated that his intention was to be a little closer in the run, but was unable to achieve this position in the early stages and GENERAL WINNER did not respond to his riding in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JOYFUL CHAMPION (G072): Between the 500 Metres and the 300 Metres became badly unbalanced as it endeavoured to force a run which resulted in JOYFUL CHAMPION being positioned too close to the heels of SUPER HORNET. L Hewitson pleaded guilty to a improper riding charge for causing interference between the 500 Metres and the 300 Metres (see COPARTNER ERA). A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Sent for sampling post-race. MISTER ARM (D491): Bumped at the start. SUPER HORNET (G043): Noted to have lost its right front plate after the race.