22/03/2009  Shatin  Race 10

OSVALDO, which was standing with its head turned to the right, was slow to begin, then immediately was taken across behind runners. KING DANCER was slow into stride. In the early stages, VICTORY STYLE proved difficult to settle and near the 1100 Metres became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of HANNAH KING PRAWN. At the 1400 Metres, OSVALDO (C K Tong), which had been ridden along to make up ground along the rail, became unbalanced and was checked after improving into a narrow run on the inside of SUPER SATIN (D Beadman) which shifted in slightly. In this incident, SUPER SATIN was bumped on the hindquarters by OSVALDO and turned in. SUPERNOVA, which was following, was checked in consequence. At the 1200 Metres, OSVALDO, which was over-racing and continued to race inside the heels of SUPER SATIN where there was insufficient room, was checked. C K Tong was told he should ensure there is sufficient racing room before improving into runs and D Beadman was told to exercise care. From shortly after straightening until the 150 Metres, SUPER SATIN was held up and unable to obtain clear running. C K Tong pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that at the 300 Metres he shifted his mount out abruptly when not clear of SUPERNOVA, causing that horse to be hampered and carried out across the rightful running of VICTORY STYLE which as a result was checked. C K Tong was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Tuesday 14 April 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension shall commence on Monday 6 April 2009 on which day C K Tong was due to resume race riding from a suspension incurred at the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday 11 March 2009. In addition, C K Tong was fined $20,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. K L Chui (HANNAH KING PRAWN) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that inside the final 250 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount from shifting in when not clear of YOUNG ELITE, causing that horse to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled and be checked. Having in mind K L Chui's record in relation to careless riding this season, the Stewards considered it was appropriate that he be suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Tuesday 14 April 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (4 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting next Saturday 28 March 2009. In addition, K L Chui was fined $10,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. After the 200 Metres, APPRECIATION was checked when crowded for room between YOUNG ELITE which after being held up and unable to obtain clear running was shifted to the outside of SPECIAL K and HANNAH KING PRAWN which when being ridden out commenced to shift in. As responsibility for the incident could not be attributed to one rider, no action was taken. When questioned, D Beadman explained near the 100 Metres he steadied his mount as YOUNG ELITE which was racing to his outside was checked and he felt that horse might shift in. He said shortly after this incident he resumed riding SUPER SATIN out, however, the horse did not make any ground after this and in his opinion did not run out the 1600 Metres at its first time of asking. Throughout the race, APPRECIATION travelled wide and without cover. VICTORY STYLE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of VICTORY STYLE after the race did not show any significant findings. KING DANCER and HANNAH KING PRAWN were sent for sampling.