29/01/2012  Shatin  Race 2

MEGA POSH was slow to begin. GIGGLES FOREVER began awkwardly and then shifted out, resulting in SUPREME HONG KONG being taken out onto the hindquarters of ALWAYS WELL. In the early stages, when being steadied, GIGGLES FOREVER got its head up and proved difficult to settle. Near the 1000 Metres, DARS AUTO was momentarily crowded for room inside MERIDIAN TREASURE which shifted in. When being corrected by its rider, MERIDIAN TREASURE shifted out, resulting in FLYING HIGH being steadied away from the heels of that horse. Apprentice K C Ng (MERIDIAN TREASURE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 900 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of ALWAYS WELL, causing that horse to be checked when crowded for room and contributing to GIGGLES FOREVER which was racing to the inside of ALWAYS WELL being hampered and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. Apprentice Ng was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 16 February 2012 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday, 5 February 2012. After this, ALWAYS WELL shifted out when being checked away from the heels of MERIDIAN TREASURE, resulting in DARS AUTO being taken out and causing FLYING HIGH to be severely checked when crowded for room inside the hindquarters of EN MASSE which became badly unbalanced when contacted by FLYING HIGH. GREY WHIZZ, which was following FLYING HIGH, was severely checked away from the heels of that horse and shifted out abruptly. SUPREME HONG KONG and F S WINNER, which were also following, were hampered in consequence. After this, EN MASSE travelled wide and without cover. Near the 700 Metres, SUPREME HONG KONG was momentarily crowded for room between GIGGLES FOREVER which got its head on the side and shifted out and DARS AUTO which shifted in slightly. Approaching the 200 Metres, DARS AUTO got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, ALWAYS WELL got its head on the side and shifted in, resulting in its rider, Apprentice C Y Ho, having to stop riding and straighten his mount. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that EN MASSE had sustained a large laceration wound to the back of the right knee, that ALWAYS WELL had lost its left front plate and that HONOUR LIST had lost its left hind plate. Before being allowed to race again, EN MASSE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUPREME HONG KONG, GIGGLES FOREVER and MERIDIAN TREASURE were sent for sampling.