28/04/2010  Happy Valley  Race 3

From the outside barrier, PACKING POWER lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected, was slow to begin and was then taken across behind runners. Before being allowed to race again, PACKING POWER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. VICTORY CONQUEROR began awkwardly. PROJECT RUNWAY was slow to begin. Approaching the 1000 Metres, BRAVE SPIRIT and DANESOUTH, which was racing ungenerously, were crowded for room between TOP NEWS (G Cheyne) which shifted in and STAR OF FAME which was taken out by ELITE SIXTY-SIX which at this time made the turn awkwardly. In the circumstances, G Cheyne was advised to ensure that he leaves sufficient racing room for riders to his inside. After this, DANESOUTH hung out across the heels of JUN HUA, resulting in PROJECT RUNWAY being badly hampered when crowded onto the hindquarters of KING ACRYLIC which became badly unbalanced. Near the 150 Metres and then over the concluding stages, CONFUCIUS CLASSIC was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ELITE SIXTY-SIX which shifted out. C W Wong (BESPOKE MASTER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 50 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of TOP NEWS, causing that horse to be checked away from the heels of BESPOKE MASTER. C W Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 13 May 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 next Wednesday, 5 May 2010. Close to the finishing line, BRAVE SPIRIT was steadied away from the heels of PACKING POWER which shifted out slightly. In the Straight, BESPOKE MASTER hung out. When questioned, M Chadwick (BRAVE SPIRIT) stated that approaching the 800 Metres he allowed JUN HUA to cross BRAVE SPIRIT so as to provide his mount with cover. He said however after this BRAVE SPIRIT became awkwardly placed close to the heels of JUN HUA as that horse was not travelling as well as he initially thought. He said as BRAVE SPIRIT is a free striding horse, he elected to come to the outside of the heels of JUN HUA rather than remain awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse which resulted in BRAVE SPIRIT travelling four wide and without cover thereafter. As a result of BRAVE SPIRIT shifting out, PROJECT RUNWAY, which had travelled wide and without cover, was taken wider. PACKING POWER, ELITE SIXTY-SIX and STAR OF FAME were sent for sampling.