20/01/2010  Happy Valley  Race 5

On arrival at the Start, the tongue tie fitted to BOLERO was replaced. O Doleuze (ELEGANT WIN) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 900 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of MR VIGOROUS, causing that horse to be checked, blunder and lose its rightful running. O Doleuze was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 8 February 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 Sunday 31 January 2010. Near the 550 Metres, LUCKY AMICI was steadied when crowded for room inside NEW KING PRAWN. Rounding the Home Turn, ELEGANT WIN was steadied away from the heels of BLADE FORCE. MR VIGOROUS, which was following, was steadied in consequence. Near the 250 Metres, VICTORY CONQUEROR was steadied when crowded for room between MR VIGOROUS and BOLERO (B Prebble) which shifted out when barely clear. B Prebble was severely reprimanded and told to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Passing the 150 Metres, NUGGET WARRIOR was shifted out when disappointed for running between BONDI LAD and TEAM WORK. After this, NUGGET WARRIOR was then awkwardly placed close to the heels of TEAM WORK which shifted out. Near the 100 Metres, BOLERO shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of ELEGANT WIN. Throughout the race, ASIAN CITRUS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Apprentice M L Yeung (NEW KING PRAWN) stated that he had been instructed from the wide barrier to take the horse back at the start, obtain cover and then ride the horse for luck. He said accordingly he steadied NEW KING PRAWN in the early stages to have it shift across behind runners, the horse proved somewhat difficult to settle in the early stages and making the turn at the 1000 Metres shifted wider. He said after entering the Back Straight NEW KING PRAWN raced more generously, but was still inclined to race keenly. He said in the early part of the Straight he had some difficulty finding clear running, however, after obtaining clear running near the 200 Metres, NEW KING PRAWN finished off the race well. A veterinary inspection of ASIAN CITRUS after the race did not show any significant findings. BLADE FORCE, TEAM WORK and NUGGET WARRIOR were sent for sampling.