10/02/2010  Happy Valley  Race 7

As the start was effected, KA KA’S PROSPERITY, which was fractious in the stalls, reared and on jumping sprawled, resulting in its rider, G Cheyne, becoming badly unbalanced in the saddle and almost being dislodged. As a consequence, KA KA’S PROSPERITY lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, KA KA’S PROSPERITY will have to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. After the 800 Metres, GOOD STRIKE was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 250 Metres, GOOD PARTNER was bumped by ELEGANT WIN which shifted out. For some distance passing the 200 Metres, TEAM WORK was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPERIOR UNIT which got its head on the side and shifted in away from LOYAL ARMY which itself was shifting in. Because of this, TEAM WORK was not able to maintain its position to the inside of SUPERIOR UNIT and near the 100 Metres was checked when disappointed for running between SUPERIOR UNIT and GOOD PARTNER, which after making contact with ELEGANT WIN on a number of occasions leading up to this point, shifted out. Because of this, TEAM WORK was not properly tested over the final 200 Metres. A Suborics (LOYAL ARMY) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 150 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in, resulting in LOYAL ARMY and NEW KING PRAWN making heavy contact, causing both horses to become unbalanced. A Suborics was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 22 February 2010 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension is with immediate effect. Over the final 50 Metres, ELEGANT WIN was checked away from the heels of NEW KING PRAWN when held up for clear running behind that horse. Because of this, ELEGANT WIN was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. When questioned, W C Marwing stated that from barrier 10 he was instructed if NEW KING PRAWN began well to obtain a forward position. He stated that NEW KING PRAWN began well, he was able to shift across to race outside the leader SMART CURRENCY without having to make too much use of the horse. The Stewards will interview Trainer A T Millard regarding the instructions to W C Marwing as well as those given to Apprentice M L Yeung who rode the horse at its most recent start prior to the first race next Tuesday 16 February 2010 at Sha Tin Racecourse. When questioned, J Lloyd (TEAM WORK) said that he had been obliged to make some use of the horse in the early stages to take up a forward position as instructed. He said near the 900 Metres he observed that LOYAL ARMY was being shifted in to obtain a position closer to the fence. He said he felt that had he continued to ride TEAM WORK to remain racing behind SUPERIOR UNIT and prevent LOYAL ARMY from shifting in, this would not have been in the best interests of TEAM WORK having in mind he had to ride it along in the early stages. He said for this reason he allowed LOYAL ARMY to shift in near the 900 Metres. A veterinary inspection of ELEGANT WIN after the race including an endoscopic examination confirmed the horse to be a “roarer” which had previously been reported. A veterinary inspection of SMART CURRENCY after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, SMART CURRENCY will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ELEGANT WIN, LOYAL ARMY and ALWAYS SOMETHING were sent for sampling.