23/01/2011  Shatin  Race 1

IMAGINATION was slow to begin. SAMMY’S FORTUNE was crowded for room at the start between NOBLE TWINS and THE KID, both of which shifted ground. After this, SAMMY’S FORTUNE was vigorously ridden in an attempt to obtain a more forward position. Passing the 800 Metres, THE KID was steadied away from the heels of GREAT FANTASY which shifted in slightly. After the 800 Metres, SUPREME COMMANDER was left racing wide and without cover. At the entrance to the Straight, SAMMY’S FORTUNE was checked when disappointed for running after attempting to improve between DECENT FELLOW (B Doyle) and WAIT FOR ME where there was insufficient room. In this incident, SAMMY’S FORTUNE bumped the hindquarters of WAIT FOR ME which became unbalanced. B Doyle was advised that whilst the Stewards were of the opinion that SAMMY’S FORTUNE had not secured clear running, nonetheless he should exercise due care when shifting ground. At the 400 Metres, GREAT FANTASY was steadied when crowded for room between THE KID and GRANDWAY FLYER which, after being bumped by GOLD CITY, shifted out further away from that horse. WAIT FOR ME was not able to obtain clear running until the 200 Metres. Near the 350 Metres, SAMMY’S FORTUNE was again checked when attempting to obtain a run between WAIT FOR ME which was taken in by LIVERBIRD and DECENT FELLOW which got its head on the side and shifted out and away from GREAT FANTASY. No further action was taken. Apprentice K C Leung (GLITTERING) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of GOLD CITY, causing that horse to be hampered and in turn taken out onto GRANDWAY FLYER. As a result, GRANDWAY FLYER was checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. KIMBERLEY, which was following GRANDWAY FLYER, was also hampered in consequence. Apprentice Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday, 13 February 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, 5 February 2011. Over the concluding stages, GRANDWAY FLYER was held up for clear running behind GLITTERING and THE KID. Because of this, GRANDWAY FLYER was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that KIMBERLEY was lame in its right front leg. A veterinary inspection of SAMMY’S FORTUNE after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, KIMBERLEY and SAMMY’S FORTUNE will both be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SAMMY’S FORTUNE, GLITTERING and LIVERBIRD were sent for sampling.