20/06/2010  Happy Valley  Race 7

From the outside barrier, BELIEVE IN CHANGE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the first turn near the 2000 Metres, BELIEVE IN CHANGE got its head up when proving difficult to settle. Also near the 2000 Metres, VICTORY MASCOT was steadied to avoid the heels of VILASOL which at this time was taken in by ANTIPASTO (W M Lai). W M Lai was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves sufficient racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. W M Lai pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 700 Metres he directed his mount outwards, resulting in ANTIPASTO and VICTORY MASCOT making contact on a number of occasions and causing VICTORY MASCOT to become badly unbalanced. W M Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 15 July 2010 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 7 July 2010. In addition, W M Lai was fined $20,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. Near the 450 Metres, STOLEN THUNDER was awkwardly placed between ANTIPASTO and TAKEANOTHERCHANCE which shifted out. A veterinary inspection of BELIEVE IN CHANGE after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. GREAT BAUHINIA, VICTORY MASCOT, WIN PRACTITIONER and THE GOODIES were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that VILASOL had lost its left front plate.