07/05/2011  Shatin  Race 8

In the early stages, ALMIGHTY WINDPOWER was left racing wide and without cover and after the 1100 Metres was allowed to stride into a position outside the lead. Over the final 200 Metres, HEAR THE ROAR got its head on the side, hung in and proved difficult to ride. Near the 50 Metres, when transferring his whip from his right hand into his left hand, Apprentice K C Leung, the rider of the second placegetter, SUNNY MORE, dropped his whip. As this is the 6th occasion this season that Apprentice Leung had dropped his whip and the 11th occasion during the past two seasons for having done so, given the circumstances of the race, at the time when he dropped the whip and the short head margin between his mount and the winner, GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR at the end of the race, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was for Apprentice Leung’s licence to ride in races to be suspended for a period to expire on Monday, 30 May 2011 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension shall commence on Sunday, 22 May 2011 on which day he was due to resume race riding from a suspension incurred on Tuesday, 26 April 2011. Apprentice Leung was last penalized for dropping his whip at the Sha Tin racemeeting conducted on Sunday, 1 May 2011. At that time, Apprentice Leung was warned that should he offend again in a similar manner this season, the Stewards may impose a more substantial penalty. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that it had been intended for TOM’S EIGHTH to be ridden in a forward position if possible. He said after being loaded TOM’S EIGHTH became fractious and as the start was effected was slow to begin. He said he rode TOM’S EIGHTH along in the early stages to obtain a position inside GLORY OF INDIA, however, he was not able to do so after GLORY OF INDIA shifted across to race on the fence shortly after the start. He said after the 600 Metres he shifted TOM’S EIGHTH out from behind GLORY OF INDIA to improve his position, however, in the early part of the Straight had some difficulty obtaining clear running behind AMITYSHIP which shifted in slightly. He added after obtaining clear running TOM’S EIGHTH finished off the race fairly. A veterinary inspection of TOM’S EIGHTH, EAGLE SPIRIT and FULL SPIRIT after the race did not show any significant findings. TOM’S EIGHTH, GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR and SUNNY MORE were sent for sampling.