10/04/2010  Shatin  Race 4

SIMPLY JOY shifted in abruptly at the start, resulting in COOL RUNNINGS, DAYLIGHT EXPRESS and NAMJONG FIGHTERS all being hampered. From a wide draw, SPEED RACER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1300 Metres, KING OF TURF was hampered and ACCELERATOR checked when crowded for room inside JOYFUL YEARS (Apprentice T H So) which, despite the efforts of its rider, got its head on the side and shifted in away from COOL RUNNINGS. As the Stewards were satisfied that Apprentice So had made sufficient effort to prevent his mount from shifting ground, no further action was taken. Near the 700 Metres, KING OF TURF was steadied when attempting to improve between JOYFUL YEARS and ACCELERATOR where there was doubtful room. Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, MULTI-WIN SPIRIT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BEST MATE. Then near the 400 Metres, MULTI-WIN SPIRIT was steadied away from the heels of COOL RUNNINGS when disappointed for running between that horse which shifted out and BEST MATE. Approaching the finishing line, DAYLIGHT EXPRESS was steadied away from the heels of JOYFUL YEARS. For this reason, DAYLIGHT EXPRESS was not able to be ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. Apprentice T H So pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of DAYLIGHT EXPRESS, causing that horse to be checked and lose the rightful running to which it was entitled. Apprentice So was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 27 May 2010 on which day he may resume race riding (4 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension shall commence on Thursday, 13 May 2010 after the conclusion of a previous suspension which was incurred last Thursday. A veterinary inspection of ACCELERATOR after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of KING OF TURF after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, KING OF TURF will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NAMJONG FIGHTERS, MIGHTY FEELING and JOYFUL YEARS were sent for sampling.