22/11/2009  Shatin  Race 9

Prior to the start being effected, BULLISH GOLD became fractious and momentarily got its left front leg over the adjoining partition. BULLISH GOLD was removed from the stalls and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, BULLISH GOLD will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. Shortly after the start, ROCK’N TYPHOON was steadied away from the heels of ALWAYS GIGGLE which shifted out after being bumped by ABLE SPEED which was taken out by DEFERENTIAL which in turn shifted out after being bumped by ROYAL FLUSH which shifted out. BULLISH GOLD was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Apprentice M Chadwick (BULLISH GOLD) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of GLENEALY STAR, causing that horse to lose its rightful running and be checked. Apprentice Chadwick was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 7 December 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting next Sunday 29 November 2009. When questioned, J Winks stated that he used the whip on ULTRA FANTASY on a number of occasions between the 200 Metres and the 100 Metres. He said approaching the 100 Metres he was of the opinion that ULTRA FANTASY’s run was finishing and for this reason he elected to discontinue using the whip and ride the horse out vigorously hands and heels. He said, in his opinion, ULTRA FANTASY responded better when being ridden out hands and heels than it had when it was being ridden out with the whip. When questioned, D Beadman stated that approaching the 200 Metres ABLE SPEED improved to race on terms with ULTRA FANTASY and, in his opinion, felt as though it was going to proceed on to win the race. He said after this point he used the whip vigorously on ABLE SPEED, however, in his opinion, the horse’s run ended and ULTRA FANTASY was able to regain a margin on ABLE SPEED. He said for this reason he put the whip away briefly approaching the 100 Metres before recommencing using the whip on the horse in the right hand in the run to the line. ROYAL FLUSH, BULLISH GOLD and ULTRA FANTASY were sent for sampling.