25/04/2011  Shatin  Race 7

LONGWAH KID began awkwardly. JADE PINS was slow to begin. MOCHI proved difficult to settle in the early stages. Apprentice M L Yeung (LONGWAH KID) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1400 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of MOCHI, causing that horse to be checked. Apprentice Yeung was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Wednesday, 11 May 2011 on which day he may resume race riding (4 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension is to take immediate effect. After this incident, MOCHI proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when being checked away from the heels of LONGWAH KID. This resulted in MOCHI racing wide and without cover throughout the race. The performance of MOCHI, which then gave ground in the Straight and finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MOCHI will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MOCHI after the race did not show any significant findings. Near the 200 Metres, YUAN’S FORTUNE was steadied when momentarily crowded for room between ISTIDE and LONGWAH KID, both of which shifted ground. When questioned regarding his riding of YUAN’S FORTUNE in the early and middle stages, Y T Cheng stated that the horse had performed well at its most recent start when ridden from behind midfield and for this reason he did not want the horse to be racing in too forward a position today. He said after the 1400 Metres it was available to him to improve his position slightly to establish a position inside DYNAMIC CROSS, however, he was reluctant to ride YUAN’S FORTUNE along to obtain this position as it may not have finished off its race as it did at its most recent start if he were to have done so. He said for this reason he allowed DYNAMIC CROSS to shift across to the fence approaching the 800 Metres and YUAN’S FORTUNE trailed that horse after this. Y T Cheng was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he should, wherever possible, avail himself of more advantageous positions in races. A veterinary inspection of INDUSTRIAL LEGEND after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, INDUSTRIAL LEGEND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that YUAN’S FORTUNE had lost its right front plate. PEPPERMINT and SUPER BOBO were sent for sampling.