01/05/2009  Shatin  Race 4

PRECISION MAGIC was withdrawn on 30.4.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (stiff action). Before being allowed to race again, PRECISION MAGIC will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GALLANT MASTER was slow to begin. COOL RUNNINGS began awkwardly. On jumping, BEST NOODLE and MAMMA MIA bumped. C W Wong (DASH) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 1500 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of BEST NOODLE, causing that horse to lose its rightful running and be checked. MAMMA MIA was hampered in consequence. C W Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Friday 22 May 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday 13 May 2009. In addition, C W Wong was fined $10,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. On several occasions between the 1000 Metres and the 800 Metres, GALLANT MASTER was bumped by SUPER BOBO (H W Lai) which was endeavouring to shift closer to the rail. H W Lai was severely reprimanded and told in similar circumstances he would be expected to show greater regard to his fellow riders. Prior to straightening, MAJESTIC HEART was steadied and shifted out when disappointed for running between MAMMA MIA and BEST NOODLE. For a considerable distance approaching and passing the 300 Metres, SUPREME COMMANDER and SPIRIT OF LO PAN raced tight as SUPREME COMMANDER endeavoured to shift out into clear running. From the 300 Metres to the 200 Metres, MAMMA MIA and BEST NOODLE raced tight and bumped on several occasions as BEST NOODLE endeavoured to obtain clear running on the outside of SPIRIT OF LO PAN which was being carried wider by SUPREME COMMANDER. Over the concluding stages, SUPREME COMMANDER was carried in by SPIRIT OF LO PAN which got its head on the side and shifted ground. Throughout the race, FOREVER FORTUNE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Mr K W Lui, the trainer of SUPER BOBO, said as the horse had not drawn as favourably as when it was successful at its most recent start, he instructed H W Lai to obtain a position with cover which he hoped would be about midfield. He also advised H W Lai that he wished SUPER BOBO to obtain a position on the fence if possible and to make his run through the field in the Home Straight close to the rail. H W Lai explained on jumping he did not ride SUPER BOBO along but rather immediately commenced endeavouring to obtain a position with cover and shifted closer to the rail. He said as it appeared to him that he would not obtain a position with cover in midfield, he elected to allow his mount to drift back to a rearward position. He said initially he obtained a three wide position with cover. He said after the 1200 Metres MAJESTIC HEART which was racing to his inside shifted out to a three wide position and because of this he steadied his mount and came back further to avoid being left racing four wide and without cover. He said when he did this GALLANT MASTER improved to race on his inside and continued to race well away from the rail. He said as a consequence SUPER BOBO travelled wide throughout the race and was required to make its run in the Home Straight wide on the track. The explanations of Mr Lui and H W Lai were reported. SUPER BOBO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SUPER BOBO after the race did not show any significant findings. GALLANT MASTER, GOLD CITY and SPIRIT OF LO PAN were sent for sampling.