25/09/2011  Shatin  Race 9

The start was delayed when NOBLE ALPHA proved very difficult to load. Before being allowed to race again, NOBLE ALPHA will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. BEST WIN began very awkwardly and shifted out, resulting in PENGLAI XIANZI being badly crowded for room inside VOILE ROUGE. After this, PENGLAI XIANZI was ridden along to obtain a forward position. T Angland (VOILE ROUGE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 1200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of MILITARY MOVE, causing that horse to be checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled and further he permitted his mount to continue to shift in across the rightful running of NOBLE ALPHA, resulting in that horse also being checked. T Angland was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 10 October 2011 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Nakayama (JRA) racemeeting on Sunday, 2 October 2011. In the early stages, BEST WIN proved difficult to settle and then making the first turn near the 850 Metres was taken wider by ABSOLUTE FANTASY which got its head on the side and shifted out. After this, BEST WIN travelled wide and without cover. Also making the first turn near the 850 Metres, CHEER was steadied when awkwardly placed between ALGARVE and ST FEVRE. Near the 700 Metres, after being crossed by PENGLAI XIANZI, DRAGON FIGHTER proved difficult to settle and was steadied away from the heels of that horse. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ST FEVRE, T Clark stated that from barrier 14 he had been asked to obtain a position behind midfield with cover if possible. He said he shifted ST FEVRE across behind runners shortly after the start, however, he was obliged to race further back than had been intended in order to find cover. He said after the 1200 Metres ST FEVRE was already struggling to hold its position as the horse was reluctant to stretch out. He added that making the first turn near the 850 Metres ST FEVRE was bumped on a number of occasions by CHEER and after this despite being ridden along was not able to maintain its position. He said he continued to pressure ST FEVRE rounding the Home Turn and in the Straight, however, at no stage of the race did the horse respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of ST FEVRE after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of ST FEVRE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ST FEVRE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of NEW GREENFIELD after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BEST WIN had lost its right front plate. MILITARY MOVE, VOILE ROUGE and PENGLAI XIANZI were sent for sampling.