16/02/2011  Happy Valley  Race 7

Near the 650 Metres, SOVIET PEARL got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of VITALITY EXPRESS. SOVIET PEARL then shifted out, resulting in HOLIDAY SUN being taken wider. G Mossé (STRAIGHT FORWARD) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 150 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of IRON FIST, causing that horse to be checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. In this incident, IRON FIST shifted in and bumped ALMIGHTY WINDPOWER on a number of occasions, resulting in that horse becoming unbalanced. G Mossé was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 3 March 2011 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension shall commence on Thursday, 24 February 2011 on which day G Mossé was due to resume race riding from a suspension incurred at the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday, 30 January 2011. Throughout the race, STRAIGHT FORWARD travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FLYING SUPREME, O Doleuze stated that his mount travelled fairly behind the leaders in the early and middle stages. He said when ALMIGHTY WINDPOWER was allowed to stride forward into the lead near the 600 Metres, this resulted in FLYING SUPREME being left without cover. He said his mount immediately came off the bit and despite being ridden along did not improve its position. He added that rounding the Home Turn he was awkwardly placed when attempting a run between IRON FIST and STRAIGHT FORWARD, however, after this the horse came off the bridle and was most disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection of FLYING SUPREME after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of FLYING SUPREME, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FLYING SUPREME will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. STRAIGHT FORWARD, VITALITY EXPRESS and FEARLESS were sent for sampling.