15/12/2010  Happy Valley  Race 4

Whilst parading, the tongue tie fitted to RACING LEGEND came loose. On arrival at the barriers, the tongue tie was refitted to RACING LEGEND. HOT PEPPER was tardy to begin and then shortly after the start raced in restricted room between BRILLIANT ONE and GO LEGEND GO which got its head on the side and shifted out. Shortly after the start, KING ON EARTH was steadied when crowded for room between JUST CHILL and SKY MASCOT which shifted out after being bumped by RACING LEGEND. Making the first turn near the 1000 Metres, SKY MASCOT was steadied when crowded for room between GOOD SMILE and BENEFACTOR (M W Leung) which shifted in. M W Leung was severely reprimanded and warned against the practice of allowing his mounts to shift in at an acute angle. Passing the 800 Metres, JUST CHILL became unbalanced when bumped by RACING LEGEND which at this time got its head on the side and shifted out. After this, JUST CHILL raced in restricted room between HOT PEPPER and RACING LEGEND. For some distance passing the 700 Metres, RACING LEGEND got its head up and proved difficult to settle when racing close to the heels of SKY MASCOT. Shortly after entering the Straight, GOOD SMILE was checked when disappointed for running between PILLOWIN and SKY MASCOT. After the 300 Metres, PILLOWIN, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied when crowded for room between SKY MASCOT and GO LEGEND GO which when obtaining a tight run to the outside of BENEFACTOR was taken out by that horse which shifted some ground. As there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. Apprentice T H So (HOT PEPPER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of RACING LEGEND, resulting in that horse being checked and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. Apprentice So was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday, 2 January 2011 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 Thursday, 23 December 2010. Approaching the 200 Metres, GOOD SMILE was steadied and shifted to the inside of SKY MASCOT when disappointed for running between that horse and RACING LEGEND. Near the 100 Metres, SKY MASCOT was steadied away from the heels of HOT PEPPER when taken out by GOOD SMILE. Passing the 50 Metres, GOOD SMILE was struck across the nose by the whip of Apprentice C Y Ho (GO LEGEND GO). Then again close to the finishing line, GOOD SMILE was struck across the nose by the whip of Apprentice T H So. For the majority of the race, PILLOWIN travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of SKY MASCOT after the race did not show any significant findings. SKY MASCOT, CAGA BOY and HOT PEPPER were sent for sampling.