23/12/2010  Happy Valley  Race 3

After being loaded, ARRIVED AHEAD became fractious, reared on a number of occasions and momentarily sat down. ARRIVED AHEAD was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, ARRIVED AHEAD will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. Shortly after the start, JOYFUL JOYFUL from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. W C Marwing (SUPREME DE UNION) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of ARRIVED AHEAD, resulting in ARRIVED AHEAD being taken across the rightful running of FIONN`S DRAGON which was checked as a result. W C Marwing was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 10 January 2011 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 Saturday, 1 January 2011. Making the turn after the 1000 Metres, DR WIN became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by HONOUR LIST which was taken out by SOLAR UP. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, TELECOM TOP STAR was checked after shifting out across the heels of JOYFUL JOYFUL. NOBLE DE BEST, which was following, was hampered in consequence. After the 600 Metres, JOYFUL JOYFUL was left racing wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SUPREME DE UNION, W C Marwing stated that it had been hoped that SUPREME DE UNION would be able to be ridden with cover behind the leaders. He said however that after leading in the race, SUPREME DE UNION travelled satisfactorily until ARRIVED AHEAD improved to race to its outside passing the 300 Metres. He said SUPREME DE UNION, despite being ridden along, weakened out of the race over the final 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of SUPREME DE UNION after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SOLAR UP after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse`s trachea. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on TELECOM TOP STAR at the request of Trainer A T Millard. The Veterinary Officer said this examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse`s trachea. ARRIVED AHEAD and FIONN`S DRAGON were sent for sampling.