10/01/2009  Shatin  Race 4

PURE ALPHA was slow to begin. PACIFIC ALLIANCE began awkwardly and lost ground, then hung out making the Home Turn. Shortly after the start, CENTENNIAL SMILE from a wide barrier was steadied and taken back. W M Lai (SAMMY’S FORTUNE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1400 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of LAZY BUDDIES, resulting in that horse losing its rightful running and being checked. W M Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday 29 January 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday 21 January 2009. In the middle stages, SIR LAGO hung out. At the 300 Metres, SURE GAIN was steadied and shifted out when disappointed for running between COULDN’T CARE LESS and PURE ALPHA. Near the 100 Metres, COULDN’T CARE LESS, which was improving into a narrow run, struck the heels of CALL ME CULLEN, blundered and almost fell when crowded for room between CALL ME CULLEN which shifted in and CENTENNIAL SMILE which was held up and unable to obtain clear running and at this time was carried wider by SUPER POWER which when improving into running on the outside of DRAGON STRIDE was carried out by that horse. Whilst the incident was of significance, the Stewards were not able to attribute blame to any rider, therefore no action was taken. When COULDN’T CARE LESS blundered, PURE ALPHA and SURE GAIN, which were racing to its outside, were steadied in consequence. After this incident, CENTENNIAL SMILE continued to be unable to obtain clear running for the remainder of the race and as such was not tested. Close to the line, CALL ME CULLEN was steadied when crowded for room between LAZY BUDDIES which shifted in and PACIFIC ALLIANCE which got its head on the side and shifted out. Throughout the race, GLOBAL WAY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of LIMONCELLO, K T Yeung said despite being without cover his mount travelled well in a three wide position in the early stages. He said on entering the Back Straight he elected to come back and obtain a position behind DRAGON STRIDE with cover. He said as soon as he did this, LIMONCELLO dropped the bit. He said for the remainder of the race he was required to ride LIMONCELLO along in an endeavour to maintain its position and prior to straightening it commenced to give ground. COULDN’T CARE LESS and LIMONCELLO were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of COULDN’T CARE LESS and LIMONCELLO after the race did not show any significant findings. PACIFIC ALLIANCE, LAZY BUDDIES and GLOBAL WAY were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported CALL ME CULLEN had sustained a cut to the left hind tendon. Before being allowed to race again, CALL ME CULLEN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.