16/01/2011  Shatin  Race 10

Approaching the 1000 Metres, SEMOS proved difficult to settle and was steadied away from the heels of LET ME HANDLE IT. Making the turn after the 800 Metres, PURE CHAMPION got its head on the side and hung out. SAPELLI had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 300 Metres, ENDLESS LUCK, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied when crowded for room between SOARING DRAGON and SEMOS which shifted out. C W Wong (JUN QI) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 200 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent JUN QI from shifting out, resulting in the horse shifting across the rightful running of SEMOS which was severely checked. C W Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 27 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 Wednesday, 19 January 2011. VICTOR DELIGHT was not able to obtain clear running until passing the 200 Metres. Over the concluding stages, after being struck with the whip, JUN QI got its head on the side and shifted out. When questioned, D Beadman stated that he had been instructed that if SOARING DRAGON began well and he was able to obtain a forward position without having to make too much of the horse, he should do so, however, if better drawn horses were ridden in such a fashion as to obtain forward positions, he should attempt to find cover if possible. He said SOARING DRAGON began well, he immediately observed a number of runners on his inside being ridden to obtain forward positions and as the tempo of the race in the early stages was fair, he attempted, rather than push SOARING DRAGON along to obtain a forward position, to allow the horse to come back and race with cover. He said however that after shifting in to race outside of ENDLESS LUCK and FAT CHOY OOHLALA passing the 1200 Metres, SOARING DRAGON was caught wide and as the tempo of the race at this tine was good, he was reluctant to ride SOARING DRAGON along in an attempt to obtain a position closer to the fence. He said for this reason SOARING DRAGON travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight finished off the race only fairly. When questioned, J Lloyd stated that he was asked by Mr C W Chang, the trainer of TREMENDOUS ADD, to obtain a position in advance of midfield if possible. He said TREMENDOUS ADD, which was up in grade today, began only fairly, he then rode his mount along in the early stages to obtain a forward position. He said despite being ridden along, TREMENDOUS ADD failed to muster speed and because of this raced further back in the field than had been intended. He added TREMENDOUS ADD travelled only fairly throughout the middle stages and rounding the Home Turn came under heavy pressure. He said despite riding TREMENDOUS ADD along to have it improve its position, the horse continued to lose ground on the field and in the Straight was most disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding at any stage. J Lloyd stated that he did recommend to the connections of TREMENDOUS ADD that they apply blinkers to the horse as, in his opinion, it appeared to lose concentration when having to be ridden back in the field. Mr Chang stated that he was unable to offer any explanation for the horse’s disappointing performance today as it had pleased him in its work since its most recent success. He said, acting on Jockey Lloyd’s recommendation, it is his intention to consider applying blinkers to the horse’s gear at its next race start. A veterinary inspection of TREMENDOUS ADD after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of TREMENDOUS ADD, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TREMENDOUS ADD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ENHANCED had bled from both nostrils. LET ME HANDLE IT and SAPELLI were sent for sampling.