28/05/2023  Shatin  Race 9

FLAGSHIP WARRIOR and THE GOLDEN SCENERY jumped only fairly. From the outside barrier, GALAXY WITNESS was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1100 Metres, MAJESTIC COLOUR commenced to race keenly once crossed by GRATEFUL HEART and as a result was checked away from the heels of that runner and shifted out, making contact with STREET SCREAM which was hampered and taken wider. The Stewards accepted that the racing manners of MAJESTIC COLOUR were the principal reason for the incident occurring and therefore no action was taken. A Badel (ERIMO) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of RED LION, resulting in RED LION being taken in and causing THE GOLDEN SCENERY to be taken in across the running of FLAGSHIP WARRIOR, resulting in FLAGSHIP WARRIOR losing its running and being checked. In the circumstances, A Badel was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 4 June 2023 and to expire on Thursday, 8 June 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey Badel was fined $55,000. Between the 200 Metres and the 50 Metres, FLAGSHIP WARRIOR was held up for clear running between ERIMO and THE GOLDEN SCENERY. Near the 75 Metres, ERIMO shifted in and bumped ATULLIBIGEAL, resulting in ATULLIBIGEAL shifting in and briefly crowding STREET SCREAM. Prior to the declaration of weighed-in, the Stewards considered as to whether there were grounds for a protest/objection against ATULLIBIGEAL being placed 4th after being bumped by ERIMO near the 75 Metres. The Stewards were satisfied that there were not sufficient grounds to do so and weighed-in was declared on the numbers semaphored by the Judge. SUNNY STAR raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. After the race, L Ferraris (SAUVESTRE), which was racing first up today, reported that his mount raced keenly in the lead and as a result was not able to finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of SAUVESTRE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, H W Lai (MAJESTIC COLOUR) reported that his mount raced too keenly in the run and as a result was left without a finishing effort. A veterinary inspection of MAJESTIC COLOUR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RED LION and ERIMO were sent for sampling.