18/09/2010  Shatin  Race 8

Prior to the first race, it was reported to the Stewards that LET ME HANDLE IT had a slightly increased pulse in its right front foot. LET ME HANDLE IT was examined by the Veterinary Officer in the stable of Trainer C Fownes. The Veterinary Officer reported that at that time LET ME HANDLE IT trotted up sound and was suitable to race. LET ME HANDLE IT was again examined on arrival at the saddling stalls by the Veterinary Officer who reported, in his opinion, it was suitable to race. LET ME HANDLE IT was checked and LUNAR REFLECTIONS crowded for room at the start between RIVER CAPTAIN which shifted out and SPINNAKER which got its head on the side and shifted in. Apprentice C Y Ho (TRAVEL GUIDE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that for some distance after passing the 1200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of SPINNAKER, resulting in that horse being continually hampered and eventually taken in across the rightful running of RIVER CAPTAIN which approaching the 1000 Meters lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. Apprentice Ho was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 7 October 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, 26 September 2010. B Doyle (LET ME HANDLE IT) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of SPINNAKER, causing that horse to be severely checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. In this incident, TRAVEL GUIDE, which was racing to the inside of SPINNAKER, was bumped and became unbalanced. B Doyle was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 18 October 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 October 2010. In addition, B Doyle was fined $20,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. Passing the 300 Metres, RIVER CAPTAIN was checked to avoid the heels of MASTER KEY which at this time commenced to give ground. H W Lai, the rider of the second placegetter, LUNAR REFLECTIONS, which finished a short head in advance of the third placegetter, was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out right to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned regarding the performance of BRAVE SPIRIT, M Chadwick stated that his mount travelled satisfactorily in the early and middle stages, however, came under pressure rounding the Home Turn and was most disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of BRAVE SPIRIT after the race did not show any significant findings. LET ME HANDLE IT and LUNAR REFLECTIONS were sent for sampling.