06/12/2009  Shatin  Race 5

Near the 1400 Metres, SEXY BABY got its head up when being steadied to avoid the heels of LUCKY CHAMPION (W Pike) which shifted in. W Pike was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. W M Lai (DASH) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 750 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of ALICE TOO, causing that horse to lose its rightful running and be checked. In this incident, MAGIC TURBO, which was following ALICE TOO, was checked and LUCKY CHAMPION was hampered in consequence. W M Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday 17 December 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the racemeeting next Wednesday 9 December 2009. Rounding the Home Turn, LUCKY CHAMPION and FANTASTIC DANCER were carried wider by BOLD CHAMPION which shifted out when commencing to tire. For the majority of the race, FANTASTIC DANCER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Apprentice K W Leung said that SEIZE THE DAY, which was having its first start over 1650 Metres and also its first start on the All Weather surface today, proved difficult to settle in the early and middle stages and raced keener than he had hoped. He said for this reason SEIZE THE DAY was unable to close off the race and was somewhat disappointing in that it weakened badly over the final 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of GALAXEE and SEIZE THE DAY after the race did not show any significant findings. SEIZE THE DAY, BE GRATEFUL and DASH were sent for sampling.