10/06/2009  Happy Valley  Race 5

BOBO WIN stood flat-footed when the start was effected and as a consequence lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, BOBO WIN will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. On jumping, KING OF HEARTS was taken back. Shortly after the start, KING OF HEARTS was steadied away from the heels of LEGEND which when shifting in was checked to avoid the heels of DASHING THUNDER which was carried out slightly by MIGHTY SUN. No action was taken. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, WONG’S FAVOURITE was steadied when awkwardly placed between FLORAL PICASSO and AMITYSHIP which was carried in by SOARING RIVER which got its head on the side and shifted in away from MIGHTY SUN. No action was taken. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, FLORAL PICASSO became unbalanced after being bumped by AMITYSHIP which continued to race tight inside SOARING RIVER. D Whyte (HUSSLER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of SOARING RIVER, causing that horse to be carried in across the rightful running of AMITYSHIP which as a result was checked. D Whyte was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday 25 June 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 Saturday 13 June 2009. In addition, D Whyte was fined $40,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. After entering the Back Straight, WONG’S FAVOURITE, which was travelling keenly, was shifted out away from the heels of AMITYSHIP and allowed to improve. Approaching the 400 Metres, HUSSLER, which was giving ground, became badly unbalanced and lost ground after bumping with AMITYSHIP after initially being carried wider by SOMETHING SPECIAL (K T Yeung). K T Yeung was told to exercise greater care. After the 200 Metres, FLORAL PICASSO was carried wider by WONG’S FAVOURITE which in turn was carried out by MIGHTY SUN. Near the 50 Metres, LEGEND was shifted in away from the heels of MIGHTY SUN which shifted in away from FLORAL PICASSO after brushing with that horse. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied the riding of 5th placegetter, SOMETHING SPECIAL, by K T Yeung over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he nonetheless was told that he must ensure he rides his mounts out fully to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned regarding the poor performance of HUSSLER which was stepping up in distance to 1650 Metres for the first time tonight, D Whyte explained he was required to make considerable use of his mount in the early stages to obtain a forward position from the outside barrier. He said because of this HUSSLER commenced to give ground after the 600 Metres and failed to finish the race off. He added after receiving interference prior to straightening, having in mind the manner in which his mount was travelling, he did not continue to ride it out to the end of the race. HUSSLER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of HUSSLER after the race did not show any significant findings. In the opinion of the Stewards, the performance of HUSSLER was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, HUSSLER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. AMITYSHIP was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of AMITYSHIP after the race did not show any significant findings. FLORAL PICASSO and LEGEND were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SOMETHING SPECIAL had lost its left hind plate.