14/10/2009  Happy Valley  Race 2

After being slow to begin, FORTUNE WINNER was aggressively ridden to improve its position, then for some distance approaching the first turn raced tight inside SOVIET PEARL which itself raced tight inside BEAUTIFUL CHOICE. For some distance approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, FORTUNE WINNER was checked away from the heels of FULL PACK. CHAMPION LAD was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Apprentice K C Leung (SOVIET PEARL) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out across the rightful running of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE, resulting in that horse being severely checked and losing its rightful running. VICTORY STYLE and SOLAR ENERGY, which were racing to the outside of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE, were hampered in consequence. Apprentice Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday 8 November 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday 25 October 2009. Near the 50 Metres, BULLISH WIN was momentarily crowded for room between CHAMPION LAD and AMAZING VENTURE (G Cheyne) which shifted out slightly before being corrected by its rider. Z Purton (BEAUTIFUL CHOICE) stated that he had been instructed to obtain a position behind the leaders if possible. He said BEAUTIFUL CHOICE began very well and when he noticed that FORTUNE WINNER out of barrier 1 had been slow to begin, he therefore thought SOVIET PEARL, which drew barrier 2, would shift to the fence which would allow him to race outside of that horse and behind the leaders as anticipated. He said however shortly after the start he was surprised when FORTUNE WINNER was being hard ridden to obtain a position inside SOVIET PEARL and therefore at that time SOVIET PEARL was not permitted to shift in as he thought it would. He said as a result of this BEAUTIFUL CHOICE was left racing three wide and he was not able to obtain a position with cover. He said as a result of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE racing three wide and without cover throughout the race, the horse was then not able to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE after the race did not show any significant findings. SOVIET PEARL and VICTORY STYLE were sent for sampling.