01/05/2009  Shatin  Race 6

SUPER BABY stood flat-footed at the start and lost a considerable amount of ground. When the gates opened, BATURO lifted its front feet off the ground, sat back and as a consequence was slow to begin. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, VANQUISH DELIGHT got its head up. Apprentice T H So (BATURO) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the first turn he rode his mount along to improve his position into a tight run between ESPACE D’OR and CLASSIC ENERGY, as a result of which CLASSIC ENERGY became crowded for room, lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled and was checked severely. In the circumstances of this case, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was for Apprentice So to be suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 18 May 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting next Sunday 3 May 2009. In deciding penalty, the Stewards were mindful that Apprentice So is not permitted to ride in races run at the Happy Valley Racecourse at this stage of his career. Therefore during this period of suspension, Apprentice So is suspended from riding in races at two racemeetings, both of which are scheduled to be conducted at the Sha Tin Racecourse. Near the 1800 Metres, BATURO was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY MONEY STAR. At the 1700 Metres, SAMBUOYANT was checked when awkwardly placed inside the hindquarters of VISIONARIO which shifted in slightly. In the circumstances, no action was taken. In the early and middle stages, ZEPHYRUS travelled wide and without cover. On straightening, WONG’S SUCCESS and ZEPHYRUS bumped. Also on straightening, TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND was disappointed for running between HAPPY ALL AROUND and SUPER BABY. After the 400 Metres, SUPER BABY was steadied away from the heels of HAPPY ALL AROUND which was carried out by ROCKALOT which in turn was carried wider by VANQUISH DELIGHT. Approaching the 300 Metres, ROYAL PORTRAIT, which was endeavouring to shift wider to obtain clear running, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER BABY which shifted ground. Over the final 200 Metres, ROYAL PORTRAIT hung in. Apprentice M Chadwick (HAPPY ALL AROUND) explained the intention had been to ride the horse in a prominent position as is usual. He said because of the strong tempo of today’s race particularly when making the first turn, HAPPY ALL AROUND travelled slightly further back than anticipated. He said because of the solid tempo of today’s race, for him to have moved forward passing the 1600 Metres as he has done previously when riding this horse would have required him in his opinion to have made too much use of his mount. He said therefore he elected to allow HAPPY ALL AROUND to travel in a midfield position. ZEPHYRUS, CLASSIC ENERGY and ROCKALOT were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of ZEPHYRUS and CLASSIC ENERGY after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, ROCKALOT was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was making an abnormal breathing noise. VISIONARIO and VANQUISH DELIGHT were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that VISIONARIO had lost its left front plate.