29/01/2023  Shatin  Race 9

BON’S A PEARLA bounded in the air at the start and lost ground. BON’S A PEARLA was then shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier to obtain cover. KEEFY shifted out at the start and bumped PACKING TREADMILL. GALAXY WITNESS shifted in on jumping and bumped SWEET ENCOUNTER, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. From wide barriers, IVY LEAGUE and FLAGSHIP WARRIOR were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Approaching the 1500 Metres, FLAGSHIP WARRIOR raced tight outside IVY LEAGUE which shifted out when travelling keenly. Near the 1550 Metres, SWEET ENCOUNTER, which was being vigorously ridden to improve its position, was steadied away from the heels of SWORD POINT which was taken in by VOYAGE BUBBLE (J Kah) which, after initially being brushed by TUCHEL, then shifted in. J Kah was severely reprimanded and advised that whilst there were some circumstances to this incident, nonetheless she must ensure that she makes every endeavour to prevent her mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. When SWEET ENCOUNTER was steadied, that horse shifted out and inconvenienced GALAXY WITNESS. VIVA CHALEUR was steadied in consequence. Near the 1500 Metres, GALAXY WITNESS was hampered when crowded for room between SWEET ENCOUNTER and LA CITY BLANCHE which was steadied when taken in by CORDYCEPS SIX (A Badel) which shifted in when not properly clear. A Badel was severely reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in future. A Badel (CORDYCEPS SIX) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 1400 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of SWORD POINT, resulting in that horse shifting in across the running of BEAUTYVERSE which was checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. A Badel was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 19 February 2023 and to expire on Thursday, 23 February 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey Badel was fined $20,000. After the 900 Metres, FLAGSHIP WARRIOR travelled keenly. After passing the 400 Metres, SWORD POINT was inclined to lay in and was reluctant to shift out into clear running from behind KEEFY near the 200 Metres. When making ground over the concluding stages, LA CITY BLANCHE had some difficulty obtaining clear running. After the race, Z Purton stated that PACKING TREADMILL travelled keener in the run today that it had previously when ridden by him. He said PACKING TREADMILL did not quicken as well as he anticipated and over the latter stages finished the race off only fairly. He added that after the race that PACKING TREADMILL did not feel completely comfortable in its action. A veterinary inspection of PACKING TREADMILL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, PACKING TREADMILL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of KEEFY, SWEET ENCOUNTER, FLAGSHIP WARRIOR and VIVA CHALEUR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PACKING TREADMILL, VOYAGE BUBBLE and TUCHEL were sent for sampling.