01/05/2009  Shatin  Race 8

On jumping, JAMESINA was taken back. Approaching the 1000 Metres, BEST FRIEND was bumped and carried wider by JAMESINA which shifted out. Shortly after this, JAMESINA was steadied when disappointed for running between WIN PRACTITIONER and BEST FRIEND which shifted back in. D Whyte (JAMESINA) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that he shifted his mount out in an endeavour to improve into a run on the outside of WIN PRACTITIONER where there was insufficient room to do so, resulting in BEST FRIEND being unnecessarily hampered and becoming unbalanced. D Whyte was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday 14 May 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension shall commence on Thursday 7 May 2009 on which day D Whyte was due to resume race riding from a suspension incurred at the racemeeting on Sunday 19 April 2009. In addition, D Whyte was fined $40,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. The Stewards opened an inquiry into the reason for E Saint-Martin (BEST FRIEND) leaving the course without the permission of the Stewards after having been directed to remain on course to attend a Stewards’ inquiry. E Saint-Martin explained that he initially remained on course for a period of about one hour, however, as the Stewards’ inquiry had not commenced, he then decided to return to his residential apartment. E Saint-Martin pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to obey a proper direction of an official and in answer to the charge acknowledged that the reason he had initially provided the Stewards for having left the racecourse was not in accordance with the facts. He said the real reason he left the racecourse was to take painkillers for an injured groin. The Stewards believed the charge ought to be sustained and fined E Saint-Martin $20,000 for this breach [Rule 12(33)]. Prior to this inquiry being officially concluded, E Saint-Martin left the Inquiry Room without permission. The Stewards decided that E Saint-Martin be stood down from riding in races until he appears at an inquiry to determine his conduct. Accordingly E Saint-Martin will not be permitted to fulfil his riding engagements at the Sha Tin racemeeting to be held on Sunday 3 May 2009. On straightening, JAMESINA was steadied when crowded for room between BEST FRIEND and WIN PRACTITIONER which shifted out momentarily. K L Chui (SILVER SUN) explained he had been instructed to lead on the horse. He said in accordance with those instructions he went forward on SILVER SUN in the early stages, however, the horse then would not relax for him when SPECIAL DRAGON improved to race on his outside approaching the winning post on the first occasion. He did point out SILVER SUN was stepping up significantly in distance today and in his opinion this led to the horse proving difficult to settle. He said because of the manner in which SILVER SUN raced, the first two sections of the race were run at a quick tempo. He said he did make some effort to endeavour to steady SILVER SUN, however, because of the manner in which the horse was racing, he was not able to do so until after entering the Back Straight. Mr Y S Tsui, the trainer of SILVER SUN, confirmed the riding instructions issued to K L Chui. He said he was satisfied with the riding of K L Chui despite the tempo of the race being faster than anticipated. He said he felt with the natural speed of SILVER SUN, the horse would be best suited ridden in front and he did not anticipate the horse would be pressured in the lead. K L Chui and Mr Tsui were told their explanations would be reported, however, K L Chui was also told in the opinion of the Stewards he should have made a greater effort than he did to steady the tempo, particularly in the second section of the race. When questioned, Apprentice M Chadwick (SPECIAL DRAGON) said he had been instructed to lead. He said accordingly he rode SPECIAL DRAGON forward from the outside barrier in the early stages and crossed to race outside SILVER SUN. He said it appeared to him that K L Chui, the rider of SILVER SUN, was endeavouring to steady his mount which would enable SPECIAL DRAGON to cross in the lead, however, SILVER SUN was over-racing and consequently held its position to the inside of SPECIAL DRAGON. Apprentice Chadwick said entering the Back Straight because of the quick tempo in the early stages, he then steadied his mount and took a trailing position behind the leader. Mr A S Cruz, the trainer of SPECIAL DRAGON, confirmed the riding instructions issued to Apprentice Chadwick and said the horse is one-paced type which is best suited when racing in the lead. He said he felt if SPECIAL DRAGON were able to lead, the horse might be able to dictate terms to suit itself. He said because of the instructions issued to Apprentice Chadwick, he was not critical of the ride. Apprentice Chadwick and Mr Cruz were told their explanations would be reported, however, Apprentice Chadwick was also told in the opinion of the Stewards he should have come back to a trailing position sooner than he did on this occasion. JAMESINA and FEARLESS were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of JAMESINA and FEARLESS after the race did not show any significant findings. MR MEDICI and VIGOR DELIGHT were sent for sampling.