21/02/2010  Shatin  Race 9

WIN WIN FELLOWSHIP and CASTLE ROCK were slow to begin. Shortly after the start, CASTLE ROCK shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of GREAT RENOWN. Near the 1000 Metres, GANBARIA was steadied away from the heels of SOU MA TAM which shifted in momentarily. After this, GANBARIA commenced to prove difficult to settle and on two occasions was bumped by SHINING VICTORY when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SOU MA TAM. Then, for some distance approaching and passing the 800 Metres, GANBARIA proved very difficult to settle and was severely checked away from the heels of SOU MA TAM which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BLADE FORCE. In this incident, GANBARIA shifted out, resulting in AMBITIOUS TREASURE being bumped and taken out onto GOOD SMILE, both of which were hampered. Apprentice M L Yeung (NOBLE CHOICE) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 850 Metres, after permitting his mount to shift in when barely clear of EVER BEAUTY, he excessively steadied the pace of that horse which resulted in EVER BEAUTY, which was following NOBLE CHOICE, having to be severely checked. LUCKY AMORE, which was following EVER BEAUTY, was also severely checked in consequence. WIN WIN FELLOWSHIP, which was following LUCKY AMORE, was also severely checked and shifted out, resulting in CASTLE ROCK being taken out onto LOMBARDI, causing both horses to be hampered and taken wider. Apprentice Yeung was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday, 7 March 2010 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting next Wednesday, 24 February 2010. Passing the 600 Metres, GANBARIA, which continued to prove difficult to settle, was checked away from the heels of SOU MA TAM. When questioned regarding his riding of LUCKY AMORE, D Beadman stated that he had been instructed to lead if circumstances permitted, however, if other horses were intent on going forward, he should allow LUCKY AMORE to race behind the speed. He said LUCKY AMORE began reasonably, he urged his mount along in the early stages to take up a forward position, however, he immediately noticed EVER BEAUTY and NOBLE CHOICE being ridden along to his outside in an endeavour to take up leading positions. He said for this reason he elected to steady LUCKY AMORE and obtained a position behind EVER BEAUTY. He added however, passing the 900 Metres EVER BEAUTY was steadied to allow NOBLE CHOICE to cross, at which time LUCKY AMORE commenced to over-race and proved difficult to settle. He said then passing the 800 Metres the pace of the race slowed appreciably which resulted in LUCKY AMORE being severely checked away from the heels of EVER BEAUTY. He said in the early part of the Straight LUCKY AMORE, which was left flat-footed when the field sprinted rounding the Home Turn, was held up when having difficulty obtaining clear running between SOU MA TAM and EVER BEAUTY which was shifting out. He said approaching the 300 Metres he obtained clear running on LUCKY AMORE and despite the manner in which LUCKY AMORE had travelled through the run, it finished off the race quite well. The Stewards adjourned this matter until prior to the first race at the Happy Valley racemeeting to be conducted next Wednesday, 24 February 2010 to allow Mr J Moore, trainer of LUCKY AMORE, to appear before the Stewards. A veterinary inspection of GANBARIA after the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY AMORE, SHINING VICTORY and NOBLE CHOICE were sent for sampling.