23/12/2009  Happy Valley  Race 2

BAUHINIA began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped FORTUNE PUG. WINNING PAL was slow to begin. Near the 1400 Metres, BAUHINIA was steadied away from the heels of FORTUNE PUG which shifted in. Apprentice T H So (SAMMY’S FORTUNE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the winning post on the first occasion he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of KINGSTON TEMPLE, resulting in KINGSTON TEMPLE being taken in onto ENERGETIC BOY which in turn was taken across the rightful running of BAUHINIA, causing that horse to be severely checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. When BAUHINIA was checked, GALAXEE, which was following, was checked in consequence. Apprentice So was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 11 January 2010 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting next Sunday 27 December 2009. Passing the 1300 Metres, JOYFUL YEARS was steadied away from the heels of EPEE DE HUA which had its head on the side and was shifting out. Shortly after this, JOYFUL YEARS (H W Lai) shifted in across the heels of EPEE DE HUA, resulting in FORTUNE PUG being steadied. H W Lai was reprimanded and advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear before shifting ground in similar circumstances. After this, EPEE DE HUA continued to race with its head on the side and then in the Straight shifted ground outwards under pressure. For some distance approaching the 1200 Metres, KINGSTON TEMPLE was checked away from the heels of SAMMY’S FORTUNE. Passing the 1000 Metres, JOYFUL YEARS was steadied away from the heels of EPEE DE HUA. Shortly after entering the Straight, FORTUNE PUG and SUPREME COMMANDER bumped as FORTUNE PUG attempted to shift out from behind DIAMOND PRINCE into clear running. Shortly after this, FORTUNE PUG was checked away from the heels of DIAMOND PRINCE which commenced to give ground. Near the 300 Metres, J Victoire (BAUHINIA) dropped his whip. When questioned regarding the performance of KINGSTON TEMPLE, B Prebble stated that after striking interference passing the winning post on the first occasion, KINGSTON TEMPLE would not settle and raced too fiercely. He said after he was obliged to shift KINGSTON TEMPLE out near the 500 Metres in an attempt to have the horse improve its position, KINGSTON TEMPLE continued to make ground until near the 150 Metres, however, from this point onwards finished off the race only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of KINGSTON TEMPLE and BAUHINIA after the race did not show any significant findings. KINGSTON TEMPLE, ENERGETIC BOY and EPEE DE HUA were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SAMMY’S FORTUNE had sustained cuts to both hind legs. Before being allowed to race again, SAMMY’S FORTUNE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.