23/12/2023  Shatin  Race 7

TOURBILLON DIAMOND (E054): No report. FIVE G PATCH (G286): Jumped awkwardly and then was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in following an incident that occurred inside the 100 Metres which cast doubt as to whether WOODFIRE BRO should be declared the second placegetter. The Stewards subsequently considered a protest/objection lodged by Z Purton, placed 3rd, against WOODFIRE BRO (M L Yeung), placed 2nd, alleging interference inside the final 100 Metres. After considering the evidence and viewing the patrol films, the Stewards found that near the 100 Metres WOODFIRE BRO shifted out, resulting in FIVE G PATCH being checked when crowded between ENSUED and WOODFIRE BRO and losing significant ground. As the Stewards were satisfied that had this interference not have occurred FIVE G PATCH would have finished ahead of WOODFIRE BRO, the protest/objection was sustained and the placings amended to read No. 10 ENSUED, 1st; No. 2, FIVE G PATCH, 2nd; No. 9, WOODFIRE BRO, 3rd; and No. 6, COLUMBUS COUNTY, 4th. At a subsequent inquiry, M L Yeung was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 100 Metres he allowed his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of FIVE G PATCH, resulting in FIVE G PATCH having to be checked when it lost its running and crowded between ENSUED and WOODFIRE BRO. M L Yeung was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 7 January 2024 and to expire on Thursday, 11 January 2024 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 3 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his excellent race riding record. Sent for sampling post-race. BOURBONAIRE (E365): No report. LA CITY BLANCHE (G371): No report. RISE BRETHREN (G075): A veterinary inspection immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils. Before being allowed to race again, RISE BRETHREN will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. COLUMBUS COUNTY (C465): No report. LOOKING GREAT (E053): No report. AWESOME FLUKE (J050): When questioned, A Atzeni stated that from the outside barrier he was asked to go forward on the horse and preferably obtain cover. He said when caught wide in the early stages to the outside of WOODFIRE BRO, he was obliged to continue to allow AWESOME FLUKE to stride forward and race outside the lead to avoid covering additional ground. He added when placed under pressure in the Home Straight AWESOME FLUKE did not respond to his riding and raced in a disappointing manner. Trainer C Fownes confirmed the instructions issued. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of AWESOME FLUKE was considered to be disappointing as compared to its previous race starts. Before being allowed to race again, AWESOME FLUKE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WOODFIRE BRO (G115): Between the 400 Metres and the 350 Metres was held up for clear running behind BOURBONAIRE. Sent for sampling post-race. ENSUED (H452): Sent for sampling post-race.