20/02/2013  Happy Valley  Race 5

WIN ESPRIT shifted out at the start and hampered SUGAR PEGASUS. On jumping, VIVA DOLPHIN and HIGHEST ACCLAIM were crowded for room between RECORD HIGH and ONE OF A KIND, both of which shifted ground. Near the 1300 Metres, HIGHEST ACCLAIM was steadied when crowded for room between SUGAR PEGASUS and ONE OF A KIND (D Whyte) which shifted in before being shifted out and relieving the tightening to HIGHEST ACCLAIM. D Whyte was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves sufficient racing room for runners to his inside at all times. FLYING SUPREME travelled wide and without cover until after the 800 Metres. Near the 750 Metres, VERY WELL commenced to prove difficult to settle and shifted out away from the heels of VIVA DOLPHIN which itself was steadied away from the heels of FLYING SUPREME which, after shifting in to race outside the leader, was eased by its rider. After this, VERY WELL travelled wide and without cover. Passing the 600 Metres, VIVA DOLPHIN and VERY WELL became unbalanced after bumping. C W Wong (VIVA DOLPHIN) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 250 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of OPTIMIZATION STAR, causing that horse to be severely checked, blunder and almost fall. In this incident, TRENDY WIN, which was following OPTIMIZATION STAR, was hampered and shifted in away from the heels of that horse. C W Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 28 March 2013 on which day he may resume race riding (5 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension shall commence on Monday, 11 March 2013 on which day C W Wong was due to resume race riding from a suspension incurred at the Sha Tin racemeeting on Tuesday, 12 February 2013. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration C W Wong’s poor race riding record this season and the severity of this incident. Near the 50 Metres, INVICTUS was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of VERY WELL to continue improving. When questioned, Y T Cheng stated that he had been instructed to ride TRENDY WIN in the lead if possible. He said TRENDY WIN, which was having its first race start at Happy Valley tonight, appeared reluctant to proceed to the barriers comfortably and lacked concentration. He said as the start was effected TRENDY WIN was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was steadied when crowded for room inside VERY WELL which shifted in after being bumped by INVICTUS. He said after this he rode his mount along in an endeavour to make up lost ground, however, TRENDY WIN failed to muster speed and consequently raced at the rear of the field. He said TRENDY WIN raced greenly throughout the race and lacked focus. He added that he commenced to ride the horse along passing the 600 Metres including slapping it down the shoulder with the whip to have it improve its position, however, TRENDY WIN did not show any response and failed to pick up as he had hoped it would. He said he continued to ride his mount along and then near the 250 Metres had to shift it in away from the heels of OPTIMIZATION STAR when that horse struck severe interference. He said it took some time for TRENDY WIN to become rebalanced, however, he placed his mount under pressure after the 200 Metres and after shifting to the outside of the heels of VIVA DOLPHIN, TRENDY WIN closed off the race well. Y T Cheng was advised that whilst acknowledging he had to shift his mount away from the heels of OPTIMIZATION STAR near the 250 Metres, nonetheless his riding between this point of the race until near the 150 Metres had come under notice and he was advised to ensure that he rides his mounts out at all stages with sufficient purpose and vigour. A veterinary inspection of TRENDY WIN after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of OPTIMIZATION STAR after the race revealed the horse to have sustained a cut to the right front fetlock. Before being allowed to race again, OPTIMIZATION STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SUGAR PEGASUS after the race revealed the horse to have bled from both nostrils. ONE OF A KIND and LITTLE RAINFOREST were sent for sampling.