27/12/2010  Shatin  Race 2

Whilst in the saddling stalls, VICTORIA SMILE had its left front plate refitted. VICTORIA SMILE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. TOMODACHI lifted its front feet as the start was effected and then began awkwardly. FIERCE FORCE began awkwardly and lost ground. REAL DRAGON shifted in at the start, resulting in TRAVEL KING being taken in onto EASY GOLD which was hampered. Shortly after the start, J Lloyd (YOUNG SUPREME) dropped his right rein. O Doleuze (SHIBALA) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 900 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of WASABISABI, causing that horse to be taken in across the rightful running of AMAZING AWARD, resulting in that horse being checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. O Doleuze was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 24 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 Sunday, 16 January 2011. In addition, O Doleuze was fined $40,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. EASY GOLD, which was following AMAZING AWARD, was checked in consequence and shifted out, resulting in TRAVEL KING and MING HOI GLORY being taken wider. Apprentice K C Leung (WASABISABI) was reprimanded for the standard of his evidence he provided during this inquiry. For some distance between the 900 Metres and the 600 Metres, TOMODACHI proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. Rounding the Home Turn, SUGAR ON TOP was taken wider by VICTORIA SMILE which shifted out. Passing the 300 Metres, FIERCE FORCE was steadied away from the heels of AMAZING AWARD which shifted out. Near the 100 Metres, B Doyle (FIERCE FORCE) dropped his whip. When questioned, D Beadman (MING HOI GLORY) stated that it had been intended for the horse to be ridden in a forward position from barrier 6. He said REAL DRAGON, which had drawn in gate 4, began well and immediately showed more pace than MING HOI GLORY. He said shortly after the start he attempted to shift MING HOI GLORY behind REAL DRAGON, however, TRAVEL KING maintained its position to his inside which resulted in MING HOI GLORY racing three wide. He said rounding the first turn there was interference ahead of MING HOI GLORY and his mount was taken wider by TRAVEL KING which in turn was taken out by EASY GOLD. He said after being bumped by TRAVEL KING, MING HOI GLORY got its head on the side and hung out which resulted in MING HOI GLORY racing wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. A veterinary inspection of MING HOI GLORY after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. When questioned, J Lloyd stated that he had worked YOUNG SUPREME on a number of occasions in the lead up to today’s race and, in his opinion, this work was only fair. He said today although YOUNG SUPREME was slow to begin, he was able to take up a forward position as instructed. He said YOUNG SUPREME travelled satisfactorily during the race, however, when placed under pressure shortly after entering into the Straight shortened stride noticeably and, in his opinion, felt sore behind. He said as he held concerns over YOUNG SUPREME’s action, he eased the horse down inside the 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of YOUNG SUPREME after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, YOUNG SUPREME will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of TRAVEL KING 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 SUPER STAR at the request of Trainer A T Millard. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, TELECOM SUPER STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MING HOI GLORY, SHIBALA and TOMODACHI were sent for sampling.