27/12/2010  Shatin  Race 10

TRAVEL GUIDE began awkwardly. W M Lai (OWNERS’ GLORY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of TRAVEL GUIDE, causing that horse to be checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. W M Lai 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 next Saturday, 1 January 2011. In addition, W M Lai was fined $15,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. Near the 350 Metres, FARM LEGEND shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of DOUBLE DRAGON which became unbalanced. Near the 100 Metres, ARION OF CHIU TON raced in restricted room inside DOUBLE DRAGON which got its head on the side and lay in. After this, DOUBLE DRAGON continued to lay in and proved difficult to ride. Throughout the race, GLORY OF INDIA travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, G Mossé advised that it had been intended for BRAVE HEART to be ridden in a midfield position if possible. He said in the early stages BRAVE HEART got its head on the side, wanted to lay in badly and was reluctant to maintain its position despite him riding it along. He said because of this BRAVE HEART raced further back in the field than had been intended. DOUBLE DRAGON, TREMENDOUS ADD and TAKEANOTHERCHANCE were sent for sampling.