07/11/2009  Shatin  Race 4

H W Lai (PACKING FRIEND), W M Lai (AMERICAN GLORY) and Apprentice T H So (FORTUNE PUG) were each fined a sum of $2,000 for failing to present themselves in the Parade Ring by the required time. THE RIFLE was slow to begin. For some distance in the early stages, BRAVO WINNER got its head up and proved difficult to settle. From on entering the Straight until near the 300 Metres, PACKING FRIEND was held up and unable to obtain clear running. Just prior to the 200 Metres, BRAVO WINNER was steadied when crowded for room between MARK UP and LIONS’ FORTUNE which shifted out from behind MIGHTY WINNER to obtain clear running. D Beadman (MIGHTY WINNER) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of PACKING FRIEND which was taken in across the rightful running of COSMO SUCCESSOR which was checked. D Beadman was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 30 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 22 November 2009. Over the concluding stages, SUPER GENTLEMAN hung out. Throughout the race, MARK UP travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Apprentice M Chadwick (VILLAGE KID) stated that he had been instructed to take up a forward position on the horse if possible, however, if he was unable to go forward without use being made of VILLAGE KID, he was to obtain a position with cover where it was racing comfortably. He said shortly after the start he observed SUPER GENTLEMAN being ridden vigorously to his inside to take up a forward position and he felt he would have to make too much use of VILLAGE KID to cross that horse, therefore he elected to attempt to obtain a position behind SUPER GENTLEMAN with cover. He added when he attempted to shift in, TELECOM GOGO improved its position to be racing to his inside, he therefore made the decision to continue to steady VILLAGE KID to ensure the horse was able to obtain cover. He said he was able to obtain cover behind TELECOM GOGO near the 800 Metres, however, this position was further back in the field than had been intended. A veterinary inspection of MARK UP and VILLAGE KID after the race did not show any significant findings. MIGHTY WINNER, SUPER GENTLEMAN and LIONS’ FORTUNE were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that COSMO SUCCESSOR had lost its left front plate.