16/09/2009  Happy Valley  Race 7

BEST POWER proved difficult to proceed to the barriers and after some delay was led to the barriers riderless. Mr K L Man, trainer of BEST POWER, was advised that in the circumstances BEST POWER would be required to proceed to the barriers and then perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial before being allowed to race again. Mr Man was further advised that the practice of allowing horses to proceed to the barriers riderless would not be condoned and he should make every effort to ensure that BEST POWER is able to be ridden to the barriers in future. From the outside barrier, MELLIFLUOUS began awkwardly. KENOBE began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, BEST POWER was crowded for room between JUGGERNAUT and HAPPY AMBASSADOR which shifted in. B Doyle (THE WITCH’S BROOM) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1400 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of CHAMPION LAD, resulting in that horse being checked and losing its rightful running. B Doyle was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday 27 September 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 Sunday 20 September 2009. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, KENOBE was crowded for room between BEST POWER and THE WITCH’S BROOM which shifted in. B Doyle was reprimanded and advised to ensure he leaves sufficient racing room for runners to his inside in future. Near the 700 Metres, KENOBE (Apprentice M L Yeung) struck the heels of THE WITCH’S BROOM and blundered. CHAMPION LAD, which was following, was hampered in consequence. Apprentice Yeung was advised to ensure he leaves a suitable distance between his horse and the heels of the runner in front. Throughout the race, BOLD CHAMPION travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of CHAMPION LAD after the race did not show any significant findings. ICHIBAN, HAPPY AMBASSADOR and LOCAL POWER were sent for sampling.