08/05/2013  Happy Valley  Race 8

From a wide barrier, CULTURAL CITY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. C Y Ho (BLOSSOM DAILY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the winning post on the first occasion he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of ST YAZIN, causing that horse to be checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. C Y Ho was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 30 May 2013 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 22 May 2013. In addition, C Y Ho was fined $25,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. Passing the 200 Metres, RIDE WITH THE WIND became unbalanced after being bumped by NOBLE DE BEST (M L Yeung) which shifted out into clear running. M L Yeung was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in future. When questioned, R Fourie stated that as SHANTARAAM was having its first start at Happy Valley tonight, he had been asked to position the horse in about midfield. He said it was felt that were SHANTARAAM to be ridden along in the early stages to obtain a forward position, the horse may not be able to be properly balanced and as such may not handle the circuit. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of KING’S PACT, Z Purton stated that his mount travelled only fairly throughout the run and near the 600 Metres he was obliged to shift out abruptly away from the heels of GOLDLAND DANCER which commenced to compound. He said KING’S PACT then travelled satisfactorily for a short distance before coming off the bridle after the 500 Metres. He added when placed under pressure in the Straight, KING’S PACT gave ground noticeably and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of KING’S PACT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BLOSSOM DAILY had lost its left front plate. A veterinary inspection of CHEER and GOLDLAND DANCER immediately following the race revealed that both horse were displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, CHEER and GOLDLAND DANCER will both be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NOBLE DE BEST and KING’S FOLKS were sent for sampling.