01/07/2009  Shatin  Race 6

TRULLI was slow to begin and on jumping shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of EASY AHEAD. On jumping, SUPER GENERAL was taken back from a wide barrier. Near the 1000 Metres, FLYING CHINA was steadied away from the heels of EASY AHEAD. Apprentice T H So (EASY AHEAD) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the turn at the 800 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of CHARMGOLD, causing that horse to be carried in and cause crowding on its inside to ALWAYS SOMETHING which as a result was badly hampered, lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled and checked which in turn caused crowding on its inside to SUPER CHARGE. Bearing in mind the circumstances of Apprentice So, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was that he be fined the sum of $10,000 in lieu of a period of suspension which would incorporate two Hong Kong racedays. In the middle stages, MEDIC FORTUNE hung out and near the 700 Metres was checked away from the heels of TRULLI. Shortly after straightening, Apprentice M Chadwick (ARROGANT DRAGON) momentarily dropped his right rein. At the 300 Metres, AMNESTY was momentarily steadied away from the heels of TRULLI. Passing the 100 Metres, FLYING CHINA, which was closing the race off strongly, improved into a narrow run between CHARMGOLD and ALWAYS SOMETHING. As a consequence, FLYING CHINA was steadied when tightened for room and CHARMGOLD and ALWAYS SOMETHING became unbalanced when bumped by FLYING CHINA. For some distance after this, FLYING CHINA was not able to obtain clear running and because of this was not properly tested. After being inconvenienced passing the 100 Metres, ALWAYS SOMETHING, which was giving ground, was not ridden out to the end of the race. In the Straight, FERRO BEAU hung in. When questioned regarding the poor performance of AMNESTY, W C Marwing said his mount was not able to obtain a position in midfield as instructed despite being ridden along in the early stages. He said throughout the race AMNESTY felt “flat” and in the Straight did not close the race off. AMNESTY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of AMNESTY after the race did not show any significant findings. ALWAYS SOMETHING was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of ALWAYS SOMETHING after the race did not show any significant findings. AMIGO and FERRO BEAU were sent for sampling.