01/01/2010  Shatin  Race 9

From the outside barrier, FLEET COMMAND was taken across behind runners in the early stages. KINGS FALCON began awkwardly. Near the 1200 Metres, SUNNY KING was steadied away from the heels of EGYPTIAN RA (Apprentice M Chadwick) which shifted in. Apprentice Chadwick was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Near the 900 Metres, SIGHT WINNER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DREAM TEAM. For some distance approaching and passing the 800 Metres, SUNNY KING proved difficult to settle. Shortly after entering the Straight, SUNNY KING was steadied when disappointed for running between SIGHT WINNER and ARMADA which, when improving to the outside of DANESIS, was taken out slightly by that horse. In the early part of the Straight, KINGS FALCON was badly held up for clear running and near the 300 Metres struck the heels of GALLANT LION and blundered. Near the 100 Metres, SPECIAL DAYS was shifted in away from the heels of TUSCAN SPIRIT which shifted in to continue improving. Over about the final 100 Metres, SUNNY KING was inclined to get its head on the side and lay in. G Cheyne (DREAM TEAM) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that over the concluding stages he permitted his mount to shift out, resulting in SPECIAL DAYS being taken out onto TUSCAN SPIRIT, causing TUSCAN SPIRIT to become badly unbalanced and ultimately contributing to that horse being severely checked. G Cheyne was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday 17 January 2010 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 on Sunday 10 January 2010. Y T Cheng (SUNNY KING) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that he permitted his mount to shift in over the concluding stages when not clear of SIGHT WINNER, causing that horse to be checked and in turn taken in onto TUSCAN SPIRIT, contributing to that horse being severely checked. In considering the appropriate penalty, the Stewards took into account what they believed to be a high degree of carelessness exhibited by Y T Cheng and the significant consequences as a result of his carelessness. As a result, Y T Cheng was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday 14 January 2010 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 next Wednesday 6 January 2010. In addition, Y T Cheng was fined $35,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. Throughout the race, GALLANT LION travelled wide and without cover. EGYPTIAN RA and SUNNY KING were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that EYSHAL had lost its right front plate.