09/05/2009  Shatin  Race 4

TELECOM EMPEROR was withdrawn on 8.5.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left front foot). Before being allowed to race again, TELECOM EMPEROR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FASTER FASTER was slow to begin. FAST WINNER blundered on jumping and as a consequence lost ground. On jumping, PERFECT ATHLETE knuckled. Apprentice M L Yeung (NOBLE ZOOM) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of GRAND GENERAL, causing that horse to be carried in across the rightful running of NIGHT HUNTER III which as a result was checked, then shifted in, causing DIAMOND FLYER to be unnecessarily hampered and carried in across the rightful running of FAST WINNER which was checked. Apprentice Yeung was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 1 June 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 Sunday 17 May 2009. After the 200 Metres, DIAMOND FLYER became unbalanced behind when bumped by FAST WINNER. Throughout the race, NOBLE ZOOM travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the improved performance of NEWSWIRE TOO, Trainer A Lee explained the horse’s best performances have been from a low barrier draw. He said last start NEWSWIRE TOO drew barrier 12, obtained a nice position in the run, however, failed to finish the race off. He said the two runs of NEWSWIRE TOO prior to that performance when the horse had drawn a low barrier had in his opinion been good. DIAMOND FLYER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of DIAMOND FLYER after the race did not show any significant findings. FAST WINNER, NEWSWIRE TOO and SUPER RED were sent for sampling.