21/04/2018  Shatin  Race 3

GLORY HORSIE was withdrawn on 20.4.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter CORRE RAPIDO. Before being allowed to race again, GLORY HORSIE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WINNING CONTROLLER began awkwardly and bumped the outside of its gate and then lost further ground after shifting out and bumping the hindquarters of HAPPY SOUND which also became unbalanced when bumped by WINNING CONTROLLER. GOOD CHOICE AHEAD began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, G-ONE UNION was crowded for room between AMBITIOUS SPEEDY and GOLDEN CANNON, both of which shifted ground. After this, from a wide barrier, G-ONE UNION was shifted across behind runners. Also from a wide barrier, STARRY STARLIES was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. CORRE RAPIDO lost its right front plate after the 1200 Metres. For some distance after the 1200 Metres, GOLDEN CANNON proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of DON WONGCHOY. CHARITY KINGDOM lost its right front plate at the 1000 Metres. GOOD CHOICE AHEAD lost its left hind plate near the 900 Metres. Near the 350 Metres, GOOD CHOICE AHEAD and TRIUMPHAL TRUMPET bumped as GOOD CHOICE AHEAD attempted to improve into tight running between that horse and THE CHAMP. After this, GOOD CHOICE AHEAD was held up when awkwardly placed behind THE CHAMP and near the 300 Metres was shifted to the inside of that horse. GOOD CHOICE AHEAD was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 100 Metres. G-ONE UNION was shifted to the outside of AMBITIOUS SPEEDY approaching the 200 Metres after being disappointed for running between that horse and GOLDEN CANNON. After the 200 Metres, WINNING CONTROLLER momentarily raced in restricted room inside HAPPY SOUND when improving into tight running inside that horse. U Rispoli (TRIUMPHAL TRUMPET) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of CORRE RAPIDO, causing that horse to be taken out onto DON WONGCHOY which was checked when crowded for room inside GOLDEN CANNON. U Rispoli was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 29 April 2018 and to expire on Thursday, 3 May 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Rispoli’s good race riding record. After being corrected to prevent TRIUMPHAL TRUMPET from shifting out further, TRIUMPHAL TRUMPET shifted in abruptly, resulting in THE CHAMP being momentarily crowded for room between that horse and GOOD CHOICE AHEAD. Throughout the race, CHARITY KINGDOM travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. Also throughout the race, DON WONGCHOY travelled wide and without cover. STARRY STARLIES lost its right front plate after the race. GOOD CHOICE AHEAD, WINNING CONTROLLER and TRIUMPHANT LIGHT were sent for sampling.