06/06/2010  Shatin  Race 4

ZEPHYRUS was withdrawn on 5.6.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore and swollen left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter AMITYSHIP (C K Tong). Before being allowed to race again, ZEPHYRUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MOONGLOW began awkwardly and shifted out, resulting in GALLANT GALLOP being hampered. CHEERFUL DOUBLE, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, began awkwardly and shortly after the start was checked when crowded for room between AMITYSHIP which shifted out on jumping and BEAUTIFUL CHOICE which was taken in by GOLD CITY. BATURO and NOBLE DE BEST bumped at the start. Near the 1500 Metres, GOLD CITY became unbalanced. Passing the 1300 Metres, SPLENDID CHAMPION was steadied away from the heels of GOLD CITY (M Du Plessis) which shifted in when not properly clear. M Du Plessis was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is two lengths clear before shifting ground in future. Apprentice C Y Ho (JOLLY WONGCHOY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 400 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of GOLD RUSH, causing that horse to be checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. Having in mind that Apprentice Ho is not approved to ride at Happy Valley, the Stewards decided the appropriate penalty was for his licence to ride in races be suspended for a period to expire on Monday, 28 June 2010 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In that time, there are two racemeetings scheduled to be conducted at Sha Tin Racecourse. The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting next Saturday, 12 June 2010. Passing the 200 Metres, M Chadwick (SPLENDID CHAMPION) dropped his right rein. Near the 50 Metres, SPLENDID CHAMPION was steadied away from the heels of WAIT FOR ME which shifted in under pressure. GALLANT GALLOP, which was closing off the race and improving its position, was checked away from the heels of SPLENDID CHAMPION in consequence. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that near the 900 Metres he was travelling in a position behind GOLD CITY. He said at this time SPLENDID CHAMPION was racing keenly and was close to the heels of GOLD CITY. He said making the first turn JOLLY WONGCHOY shifted out to his inside and bumped SPLENDID CHAMPION. He said because of this SPLENDID CHAMPION became unbalanced and shifted out and due to the manner in which SPLENDID CHAMPION was travelling, he was not able to shift the horse back in behind GOLD CITY. He said for this reason SPLENDID CHAMPION was left racing in a three wide position without cover. When questioned, B Doyle stated that he had been instructed not to make use of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE in the early stages, but it was anticipated that the horse, after travelling some distance, would be able to go forward into the race and lead. He said BEAUTIFUL CHOICE was beaten for speed in the early stages of the race when a number of runners drawn both inside and outside of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE were ridden to obtain forward positions. He said due to the tempo in the early stages and having in mind his instructions not to ride BEAUTIFUL CHOICE along, he elected to attempt to obtain a position with cover. He said approaching the first turn the tempo of the race slowed somewhat, therefore he allowed BEAUTIFUL CHOICE to stride forward with a view to obtaining a position closer to the rail, however, at this time SPLENDID CHAMPION shifted out from behind GOLD CITY which resulted in BEAUTIFUL CHOICE being taken in to a four wide position. He said when he continued to improve on BEAUTIFUL CHOICE, SPLENDID CHAMPION improved with his horse and for this reason BEAUTIFUL CHOICE was caught wide and without cover throughout the race. A veterinary inspection of QUANTUM EXPRESS after the race did not show any significant findings. JOLLY WONGCHOY, NOBLE DE BEST and GOLD RUSH were sent for sampling.