18/09/2011  Shatin  Race 10

Whilst in the Parade Ring, BET ON ME had its right front plate refitted. BET ON ME was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. After being loaded, THE WAND became fractious. Before being allowed to race again, THE WAND will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. TALLEY CLOSE and SADDLERS LODGE were crowded for room at the start between GOOD LUCK WIN and LUCKY FOLLOW ME, both of which shifted ground. O Doleuze (MASTER RIO) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of LUCKY FOLLOW ME, causing that horse to be checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. O Doleuze was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 29 September 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, 21 September 2011. SADDLERS LODGE had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. ALWAYS SOMETHING was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 150 Metres. W M Lai (LUCKY FOLLOW ME) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of ALWAYS SOMETHING, causing that horse to be checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. W M Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday, 2 October 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 next Sunday, 25 September 2011. Throughout the race, FLYING CHAPARRAL travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if AFFLUENCE OF RAIN had been afforded a fair start. After viewing the official videos, it was ascertained that prior to the start being effected, AFFLUENCE OF RAIN reared on two occasions, then simultaneous to the start being effected, AFFLUENCE OF RAIN, which was being assisted by a gate attendant, again reared and lost a considerable amount of ground. As the Stewards were of the belief that AFFLUENCE OF RAIN had not had an unfair start, the horse was deemed to be a runner. Before being allowed to race again, AFFLUENCE OF RAIN will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. A veterinary inspection of AFFLUENCE OF RAIN after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TALLEY CLOSE, T Clark stated that he had ridden the horse in one piece of work in the lead up to today’s race and that work, in his opinion, was good. He said after being crowded for room at the start, his mount then travelled well in a forward position. He said that at the entrance to the Straight he was obliged to shift TALLEY CLOSE in when disappointed for running between FLYING CHAPARRAL and LUCKY FOLLOW ME. He added that after this TALLEY CLOSE obtained clear running albeit that the horse raced tight outside SADDLERS LODGE which was shifted out to obtain clear running. He said however that TALLEY CLOSE was under pressure to maintain its position and, in his opinion, did not finish off the race. He said he did note that at its only other start in Hong Kong, TALLEY CLOSE closed off the race well when ridden quietly, however, today from the better barrier it was decided to ride the horse in a more forward position. A veterinary inspection of TALLEY CLOSE after the race did not show any significant findings. TALLEY CLOSE, PIZZAZZ and LUCKY FOLLOW ME were sent for sampling.