12/02/2011  Shatin  Race 7

EAGLE SPIRIT began awkwardly. SUNNY MORE was slow to begin and shortly after the start was crowded for room between KYARA and NICE FOLKS, both of which shifted ground. In this incident, SUNNY MORE bumped the hindquarters of KYARA which became unbalanced. After the 1000 Metres, SPLENDID CHAMPION was left racing wide and without cover. Y T Cheng (BLESSING) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 150 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out, resulting in SUNNY MORE being taken out onto SPLENDID CHAMPION which in turn was taken across the rightful running of SUNRISE which as a result was checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. Y T Cheng was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 24 February 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 next Wednesday, 16 February 2011. When questioned, D Whyte stated that from barrier 10 GLORY OF INDIA was obliged to race wide and without cover throughout the race near the tail of the field. He said he placed the horse under pressure after the 600 Metres to improve its position and rode it along rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight. He said when being ridden along, GLORY OF INDIA did not respond to his riding and after the 300 Metres shortened stride noticeably. He said as he was concerned with the manner in which GLORY OF INDIA had not responded to his riding and as he felt that its action was not correct, he eased the horse down over the final 250 Metres. He added that he walked GLORY OF INDIA back to the unsaddling area after the race. He said the horse did not feel sore, however, in his opinion, did not stretch out as it should have in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of GLORY OF INDIA after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of GLORY OF INDIA was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GLORY OF INDIA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. D Whyte was advised wherever possible to ride his mounts out to the end of the race at least hands and heels. KYARA, PUBLIC FIGURE and HOT SHOT were sent for sampling.