31/05/2009  Shatin  Race 10

After being boxed, HIGH AIM became fractious and broke through the front gate of its stall. HIGH AIM was quickly reined in and returned to the Start where it was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. OSVALDO began awkwardly, bumped the hindquarters of RIBOT LEGEND, as a consequence became unbalanced and lost ground. ROCKET POWER and WESTERN STAR were slow to begin. On jumping, MULTO EXPRESSO stumbled. S K Sit (LOCAL POWER) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of CIRCUIT HERO and WESTERN STAR, causing those horses to be unnecessarily crowded for room, lose the running to which they were rightfully entitled and be checked. S K Sit was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 8 June 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension is with immediate effect. Approaching the 700 Metres, ELEGANT WIN was hampered and carried wider when bumped by GLORY OF INDIA (J Winks) which shifted away from the rail from behind HIGH AIM. J Winks was severely reprimanded and told in similar circumstances he would be expected to show greater respect to his fellow riders. Passing the 200 Metres, CIRCUIT HERO and SUPER SATIN brushed due mainly to CIRCUIT HERO hanging in. In the Straight, PACKING BUDDY hung in and proved difficult to shift to the outside of GOOD LUCK WIN into clear running. When questioned, Apprentice K C Leung (CIRCUIT HERO) said he had been instructed to allow his mount to begin and travel where it was comfortable in the run which was anticipated to be around midfield. He said on jumping CIRCUIT HERO bumped with SUPER SATIN and because of this he took hold of his mount to prevent it from shifting further out. He said as a consequence CIRCUIT HERO lost ground and he then elected to shift his mount across behind runners to avoid being caught wide. He said after receiving a check near the 1200 Metres CIRCUIT HERO then travelled in a rearward position. He said CIRCUIT HERO travelled keenly in the Back Straight and after the 1200 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. He said in the middle stages CIRCUIT HERO travelled comfortably and in the Home Straight closed the race off fairly. Mr A T Millard, the trainer of CIRCUIT HERO, confirmed the riding instructions issued and said he initially was surprised to see the horse so far back in the field as he had anticipated it would settle in 4th or 5th position. After reviewing the official videos of the race, Mr Millard said he accepted Apprentice Leung’s explanation for being further back than anticipated. Apprentice Leung was told his riding out of the barriers had come under notice and he should where circumstances permit ensure he does his utmost to follow the riding instructions issued to him where those instructions are appropriate. Mr Millard was told his explanation would be accepted. S K Sit explained from the wide draw he was instructed to have his mount in a midfield position if possible. He said at its most recent start LOCAL POWER did not show natural early speed when racing over 1400 Metres and it was felt that too much use would be required to be made of his mount when again racing over 1400 Metres today to obtain a forward position. He said because of this he was asked to ride LOCAL POWER about midfield, however, if the horse was going to be left racing wide, it was acceptable for him to take his mount further back to ensure it had cover. After the race, D Beadman (MULTO EXPRESSO), which performed poorly, reported that his mount raced “flat”. MULTO EXPRESSO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MULTO EXPRESSO after the race did not show any significant findings. ROCKET POWER and ELEGANT WIN were sent for sampling. <1/6/2009> MULTO EXPRESSO, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. MULTO EXPRESSO was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer J Moore this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, MULTO EXPRESSO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.