16/12/2009  Happy Valley  Race 4

SPEEDY, which was leaning against the outside of its barrier, was slow to begin. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, CENTURY MOLLY failed to muster speed and approaching the winning post on the first occasion was taken across behind runners. J Victoire (NAMJONG HUNTER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of ELECTRONIC MASTER, causing that horse to strike the heels of NAMJONG HUNTER and blunder. J Victoire was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 11 January 2010 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 Friday 1 January 2010. Near the 500 Metres, HEAVENLY POWERS, which was weakening badly, was checked when crowded for room between NAMJONG HUNTER which was improving into tight running between HEAVENLY POWERS and ELECTRONIC MASTER and HAPPY CHA CHA which was taken in by HOLIDAY SUN (O Doleuze) which shifted ground. O Doleuze was advised that, whilst there were some contributing circumstances to this incident, he should in future make every effort to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. When questioned regarding his riding of NAMJONG HUNTER, J Victoire stated that he was instructed to lead on the horse, however, if other horses improved to his outside, he should take the position behind those horses. He said accordingly he allowed DECAGONAL and CLASSA SUPREME to improve around him rounding the first turn. He said after obtaining the rail, DECAGONAL was then steadied to allow CLASSA SUPREME to improve around its outside. He added for this reason NAMJONG HUNTER raced close to the heels of DECAGONAL, however, he was reluctant to shift out at this time, but rather elected to try and maintain his position on the fence behind DECAGONAL. He said due to this reason HEAVENLY POWERS was able to improve its position around NAMJONG HUNTER passing the 900 Metres. He said NAMJONG HUNTER continued to prove difficult to settle and passing the 800 Metres he was obliged to shift out away from the heels of DECAGONAL, but at this stage HEAVENLY POWERS had already improved to be racing to the outside of DECAGONAL. He said because of this NAMJONG HUNTER was awkwardly placed behind and slightly to the inside of HEAVENLY POWERS and when that horse commenced to give ground approaching the 600 Metres, NAMJONG HUNTER was taken back in the field. He said that in retrospect he had erred in not allowing his mount to shift to the outside of DECAGONAL near the 900 Metres which would have resulted in HEAVENLY POWERS being obliged to race to the outside of NAMJONG HUNTER. J Victoire was severely reprimanded and told his ride on NAMJONG HUNTER on this occasion was not one of his better ones. He was advised, in the opinion of the Stewards, it was available to him to shift to the outside of DECAGONAL and improve his position which would have prevented HEAVENLY POWERS shifting in in front of NAMJONG HUNTER. He was further advised he should ride his mounts so as to ensure they obtain favourable positions wherever possible. Apprentice K C Leung (AMITYSHIP) stated that he had been instructed to lead if possible, but if other runners showed superior speed, he should race behind the leaders. He said as the start was effected, AMITYSHIP began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of HOLIDAY SUN. He said he then rode AMITYSHIP along in the early stages, however, CLASSA SUPREME showed more speed and was able to cross AMITYSHIP. He said he observed a number of runners to his inside being ridden aggressively to obtain forward positions, therefore approaching the winning post on the first occasion, he elected to shift across behind runners rather than be caught racing wide. He added that after obtaining a position with cover behind HAPPY CHA CHA passing the winning post on the first occasion, AMITYSHIP was gradually taken further back in the field by that horse which itself was awkwardly placed outside the heels of NAMJONG HUNTER. He said passing the 600 Metres AMITYSHIP was awkwardly placed close to the heels of NAMJONG HUNTER and then was steadied away from the heels of HEAVENLY POWERS when that horse was checked near the 500 Metres. He stated, for these reasons, AMITYSHIP raced much further back in the field than had been intended. The performance of HEAVENLY POWERS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, HEAVENLY POWERS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of AMITYSHIP, SPEEDY and HEAVENLY POWERS after the race did not show any significant findings. AMITYSHIP, LEO’S PRIDE and HOLIDAY SUN were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that LEO’S PRIDE had lost its right hind plate.