19/05/2010  Happy Valley  Race 3

TELECOM TOP STAR was withdrawn on 18.5.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter CHARITABLE STAR (W M Lai). Before being allowed to race again, TELECOM TOP STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BUCCANEER and POLYGOLD were slow to begin. SMART KIDS, which was slow to begin, was steadied shortly after the start when crowded for room between TURF MAGIC and PROJECT RUNWAY which shifted in after being bumped by BEAUTY EXPRESS. From the outside barrier, SHIFACHI TRADITION was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. O Doleuze (TURF MAGIC) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of POLYGOLD, causing that horse to be checked and in turn taken in onto CHARITABLE STAR which was also checked. SMART KIDS and BUCCANEER, which were following CHARITABLE STAR and POLYGOLD respectively, were checked in consequence. O Doleuze was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday, 13 June 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, 6 June 2010. In addition, O Doleuze was fined $30,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. After entering the Back Straight, PROJECT RUNWAY proved difficult to settle, got its head on the side and lay in. Passing the 800 Metres, COUNTRY MAGIC was taken to a three wide position without cover when PROJECT RUNWAY shifted out from behind MASTER RIO. For the majority of the race, BEAUTY EXPRESS travelled wide and without cover. FIRST IN COMMAND and MASTER RIO were sent for sampling.