14/10/2009  Happy Valley  Race 8

As the start was effected, DORDENMA put its head down and lost a considerable amount of ground. B Prebble (DORDENMA) stated that rounding the Home Turn the horse became badly unbalanced and for this reason he did not ride the horse out in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of DORDENMA after the race did not show any significant findings. Having in mind the manner in which DORDENMA began and the fact that it was eased out of the race, the Stewards believed it was appropriate that DORDENMA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being permitted to race again. In the early and middle stages, WATCH WHAT HAPPENS proved very difficult to settle. Near the 900 Metres, QUICK TOUCH was steadied away from the heels of SILVER SUN. Rounding the Home Turn, REAL SPECIAL became unbalanced when being checked off the heels of DORDENMA. C W Wong (LU YUE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of GREAT ACHIEVEMENT, causing that horse to be checked. C W Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 26 October 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 17 October 2009. Near the 50 Metres, QUICK TOUCH was shifted in away from the heels of GREAT ACHIEVEMENT. Over the concluding stages, BLUE SKY was directed out and away from LU YUE which continued to shift out under pressure. Throughout the race, INTERCHINA STAR travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, O Doleuze (SILVER SUN) stated that as the horse was first up for the new season, he was instructed to take a seat behind the anticipated leader, LU YUE. ?He said SILVER SUN began well, he went forward in an attempt to obtain the desired position behind LU YUE, however, NOBLE MAN improved its position to his inside which required SILVER SUN to race in a one off position behind BLUE SKY. He said when BLUE SKY steadied passing the 1100 Metres to allow GREAT ACHIEVEMENT to go forward, SILVER SUN was further back in the field than had been anticipated. When questioned, Z Purton (BLUE SKY) stated that he had been instructed to obtain a forward position if possible but to ensure that BLUE SKY obtained cover. He said BLUE SKY began extremely well and when SILVER SUN did not improve to his inside, the horse was left racing outside LU YUE in the lead. He said to ensure BLUE SKY obtained cover, he restrained his mount rounding the first turn to ensure that GREAT ACHIEVEMENT was permitted the opportunity to stride forward and race outside the lead of LU YUE which resulted in BLUE SKY eventually obtaining cover near the 900 Metres. QUICK TOUCH, LU YUE and BLUE SKY were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that REAL SPECIAL had lost its right front plate and had sustained a cut to the right front cannon. Adjourned Inquiry - 14 October 2009 Happy Valley Racemeeting - Race 8 (92)     After the race, the Stewards reported that B Prebble (DORDENMA) advised that rounding the Home Turn the horse became badly unbalanced and for this reason he did not ride it out in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of DORDENMA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The Stewards also reported that rounding the Home Turn REAL SPECIAL (G Cheyne) became unbalanced when being checked away from the heels of DORDENMA. On Thursday, 15 October 2009, the Stewards received a report from the Veterinary Officer advising that DORDENMA sustained two abrasions to the right hind leg above the hock. The Veterinary Officer also reported that no lameness was detected as a result of these abrasions. Having in mind the veterinary report, the Stewards reviewed the race footage for this race with particular emphasis on the Home Turn. After reviewing the race footage, the Stewards interviewed G Cheyne and B Prebble regarding this matter. G Cheyne stated that prior to the Home Turn REAL SPECIAL was following DORDENMA and he expected that horse to take him into the race. He said however when DORDENMA did not improve as he expected, REAL SPECIAL was awkwardly placed on the heels of DORDENMA and, in his opinion, struck that horse from behind which resulted in DORDENMA being dragged down. G Cheyne was advised that he should make every effort to prevent his mounts racing too closely to the heels of runners in front. As previously advised, DORDENMA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trail and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.