27/05/2012  Shatin  Race 11

RIO WILLIE was withdrawn on 26.5.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore foot) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter PACKING TYCOON (W C Marwing). Before being allowed to race again, RIO WILLIE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the Start, CORPORAL JONES had its left front plate refitted. CORPORAL JONES was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. CALIFORNIA DUDE was slow to begin and shortly after the start shifted in and made contact with CARTHAGE which itself began awkwardly. Approaching the 1700 Metres, FREE JUDGEMENT momentarily raced in restricted room inside ALL ROUND which shifted in after being bumped by AOMEN. After the 1400 Metres, CARTHAGE was steadied when crowded for room inside CORPORAL JONES which at this time shifted in when over-racing and being awkwardly placed close to the heels of FREE JUDGEMENT. Rounding the Home Turn, FLYING CHAPARRAL got its head on the side and hung out. Shortly after entering the Straight, JAMESINA was held up when disappointed for running between KING OF SCOTS and SAME WORLD. JAMESINA then had difficulty obtaining clear running and after the 200 Metres was shifted to the inside of KING OF SCOTS after having to be steadied when disappointed for running between that horse and SAME WORLD. VICTOR DELIGHT had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. A Suborics (FREE JUDGEMENT) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 50 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of JAMESINA, causing that horse to be checked and to be taken in across the rightful running of CARTHAGE (Y T Cheng) which as a result was severely checked when crowded for room between JAMESINA and DAN EXCEL and in so doing struck the heels of DAN EXCEL and blundered badly. In this incident, Y T Cheng lost the use of his both irons. CORPORAL JONES, which was following, was bumped heavily by CARTHAGE and became unbalanced. A Suborics was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 25 June 2012 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 13 June 2012. In addition, A Suborics was fined $25,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. Close to the finishing line, K C Leung (KING OF SCOTS) dropped his right rein. Throughout the race, DAN EXCEL travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, B Prebble (DAN EXCEL) stated that as he was riding his mount out over the concluding stages, he felt his horse lose its action behind after seemingly being galloped on. He said at the same time when he felt another horse strike the heels of DAN EXCEL, he felt that there was heavy contact on his left hind quarter which resulted in DAN EXCEL becoming further unbalanced. He said as he was not aware of what was occurring behind him at this time and as DAN EXCEL’s action changed noticeably, he looked around to his left and right side in an attempt to establish the reason for DAN EXCEL being struck behind. He added as a result of DAN EXCEL losing its action behind, he did not ride his mount out over the concluding stages as he was unaware of the reason for DAN EXCEL losing its action. B Prebble was advised that after viewing the videos which clearly supported that DAN EXCEL had been struck behind by CARTHAGE when that horse was severely checked and nearly fell, the Stewards accepted his explanation for his riding over the concluding stages. He was however advised to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels where circumstances permit. A veterinary inspection of DAN EXCEL, CARTHAGE and PACKING TYCOON after the race did not show any significant findings. DAN EXCEL, REAL SPECIALIST and FREE JUDGEMENT were sent for sampling. <28/5/2012 Additional Veterinary Report>After the race, CARTHAGE was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. CARTHAGE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer D Cruz this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, CARTHAGE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.