13/10/2010  Happy Valley  Race 5

TELECOM GOGO was slow to begin. KENOBE was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn. After the 200 Metres, TELECOM GOGO was checked when held up for clear running behind SUPER CAGA and PRIME TARGET which was giving ground. When questioned regarding his riding of FLUKE, Apprentice T H So stated that he had been instructed to position the horse in about 4th or 5th position if possible. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion, he obtained a position one horse off the fence outside GREAT BAUHINIA and he was content to maintain this position. He said near the 1300 Metres VITALITY EXPRESS shifted in to a position on the fence in advance of GREAT BAUHINIA, a short distance later GREAT BAUHINIA shifted away from the fence into the one off position which resulted in FLUKE being taken to a three wide position without cover. He said FLUKE then remained racing without cover for the remainder of the event. Apprentice So conceded that when he observed VITALITY EXPRESS shifting towards the fence, he should have improved his position so that GREAT BAUHINIA was not able to shift away from the fence and which would have resulted in FLUKE racing in a one off position with cover behind SUPER CAGA. He was advised that his riding of FLUKE during this portion of the race lacked the necessary judgement and initiative expected of a rider in Hong Kong. He was severely reprimanded and further advised that he should ride his mounts in such a manner as to afford them every opportunity to finish in the best possible placing. After taking evidence from G Mossé, the rider of PRIME TARGET, and Mr C Fownes, the trainer of that horse, the Stewards adjourned an inquiry into the running and riding of that horse. A veterinary inspection of GREAT BAUHINIA after the race did not show any significant findings. VICTORY MASCOT and VITALITY EXPRESS were sent for sampling.