24/04/2013  Happy Valley  Race 4

DEMON DEMON, which was fractious in the barriers, began awkwardly and consequently lost ground. As the start was effected, MEDIC KINGDOM lifted its front feet off the ground and then got its head up on a number of occasions in the early part of the race. Shortly after the start, SOLDIER, which was being ridden along, was steadied away from the heels of MERIDIAN TREASURE when crowded for room between that horse which shifted in and DASHING FORTUNE which shifted out after being bumped by CHEERS VICTORIES. Apprentice K C Ng (MERIDIAN TREASURE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that shortly after the start he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount from shifting in when not clear of DASHING FORTUNE, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the rightful running to which it was entitled. Apprentice Ng was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday, 12 May 2013 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Wednesday, 1 May 2013. Making the first turn approaching the 1000 Metres, AUSPICIOUS START was crowded for room inside DASHING FORTUNE which was taken in by BRILLIANT PROPOSAL which, despite the efforts of its rider, got its head on the side and shifted in. DEMON DEMON, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, MERIDIAN TREASURE became unbalanced. In the early part of the Straight, CHEERS VICTORIES was shifted to the outside of MERIDIAN TREASURE. When questioned, H W Lai (YOU ARE THE ONE) stated that he had to ride his mount aggressively in the early stages to take up a forward position as instructed. He said near the 900 Metres he commenced to shift across towards the rail after clearing MERIDIAN TREASURE to his inside. He said he attempted to steady YOU ARE THE ONE at this time, however, the horse, which was wearing blinkers for the first time, proved difficult to settle and would not respond to his attempts to steady the tempo of the race. He said this resulted in YOU ARE THE ONE travelling at a quicker tempo than he had hoped approaching and passing the 800 Metres. He added that he had ridden YOU ARE THE ONE in some of its work in the lead up to tonight’s race and in that work YOU ARE THE ONE had wanted to travel keenly. He said in the Straight YOU ARE THE ONE shifted out under pressure with him using the whip in the left hand. DEMON DEMON, MERIDIAN TREASURE and NAUGHTY BABY were sent for sampling.