01/01/2012  Shatin  Race 7

On a number of occasions after being loaded, TOM'S EIGHTH got its head down in the gates and then as the start was effected again put its head down and consequently lost a considerable amount of ground. Having in mind TOM'S EIGHTH's previous record in respect of being slow to begin, the Stewards ruled that prior to being permitted to race again, TOM'S EIGHTH will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. SOUNDS EXCELLENT was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, WRATH OF FIRE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. G Cheyne (TRES MAGNIFIQUE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the winning post on the first occasion he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of FLYING CHAPARRAL, causing that horse to be checked and taken in onto SUPER HURRICANE which in turn was taken across the rightful running of GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR which as a result was severely checked when taken in onto the hindquarters of LET'S GOAL. After being bumped on the hindquarters by GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR in this incident, LET'S GOAL became unbalanced and shifted in, resulting in GLORY OF INDIA being taken in onto ANTIPASTO which was checked. After having considered all relevant factors including G Cheyne's good riding record in Hong Kong, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was for G Cheyne's licence to race in races to be suspended for a period to expire on Thursday, 19 January 2012 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, 11 January 2012. Near the 1000 Metres, NORTH HILL was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 900 Metres, BURGUNDY MAC proved difficult to settle and was steadied away from the heels of SUMMER DASH. Near the 350 Metres, GLORY OF INDIA was shifted out when disappointed for running between FLYING CHAPARRAL and LET'S GOAL which shifted out. After this, GLORY OF INDIA had difficulty obtaining clear running until after the 200 Metres. Over the concluding stages, SOUNDS EXCELLENT raced tight inside TRES MAGNIFIQUE. A veterinary inspection of BURGUNDY MAC after the race did not show any significant findings. SUMMER DASH, WRATH OF FIRE and GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR were sent for sampling. <3/1/2011 Additional Veterinary Report>BURGUNDY MAC, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. BURGUNDY MAC was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer D E Ferraris yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to have a stiff action in all four limbs and was sore over the left hindquarters. Before being allowed to race again, BURGUNDY MAC will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.