17/10/2009  Shatin  Race 6

Whilst in the saddling stalls, HUMONGUS had its right hind plate refitted. As the start was effected, SABINA lifted its front feet off the ground. A short distance later, SABINA was checked when crowded for room between CLOSERTOBELIEVING and SUPREME DRAGON which shifted out. Also at the start, HEALTHY BLUEBERRY bounded in the air and then made contact with the hindquarters of HUMONGUS which shifted out. As a result of this incident, HEALTHY BLUEBERRY lost ground. HEALTHY BLUEBERRY was then ridden along to improve its position, however, raced wide and without cover throughout the race. J Winks (CLOSERTOBELIEVING) 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 insufficiently clear of HUMONGUS, resulting in that horse having to be checked and losing its rightful running. GALAXEE, which was following HUMONGUS, was checked in consequence. J Winks was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday 5 November 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 on Sunday 25 October 2009. Passing the 1000 Metres, WINBO got its head up on a number of occasions when proving difficult to settle. Passing the 600 Metres, HUMONGUS was steadied away from the heels of CLOSERTOBELIEVING which shifted in slightly. When placed under pressure in the Straight, CLOSERTOBELIEVING hung in badly and proved difficult to ride. When questioned, B Doyle stated that FOREST FOUNTAIN, which proved difficult to proceed to the barriers, hung in badly in the early part of the race. He said rounding the Home Turn FOREST FOUNTAIN hung out away from GALAXEE. He said in the early part of the Straight he was able to balance up FOREST FOUNTAIN, however, near the 300 Metres FOREST FOUNTAIN commenced to shift in abruptly whilst hanging. He added he was unable to straighten FOREST FOUNTAIN, the horse continued to hang in and near the 50 Metres wanted to shift in behind CHEEKY LAD. He said as he was awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse, he stopped riding FOREST FOUNTAIN and shifted it away from the heels of CHEEKY LAD. He stated he was unable to properly ride FOREST FOUNTAIN out due to the manner in which it was racing. When questioned, O Doleuze (TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND) said his mount did not stretch out at any stage of the race and as he was concerned regarding the manner in which it was travelling, he eased the horse down in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND 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 and GREAT SURPRISE were sent for sampling.