01/01/2013  Shatin  Race 1

DR GOOD HABIT was withdrawn on 31.12.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (temperature) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter KARL MARX (B Prebble). Before being allowed to race again, DR GOOD HABIT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GRACYTOM and PEARL WIN began awkwardly. KARL MARX and TRUE COURAGE bumped at the start. Shortly after the start, SEA FURY and PEARL WIN were crowded for room inside SUPER BROTHER. A short distance later, SEA FURY was steadied and PEARL WIN hampered when further crowded for room inside SUPER BROTHER (W M Lai) which shifted in when not properly clear. In the circumstances, W M Lai was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground. On two occasions in the early stages, KA WAI FORTUNE and AFFECTION bumped. Making the first turn after the 900 Metres, GRACYTOM was steadied when momentarily crowded for room between KA WAI FORTUNE and SUPER BROTHER, both of which shifted ground. After this, KA WAI FORTUNE was steadied away from the heels of ARCHER’S BOW which was awkwardly placed inside the heels of FORZA. NIGHTLIGN was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. At the 400 Metres, NOVEL START became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by KA WAI FORTUNE which shifted in. N Callan (AFFECTION) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 350 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of ARCHER’S BOW, causing that horse to be checked. PEARL WIN, which was following, was hampered in consequence. N Callan was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 17 January 2013 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, 9 January 2013. Near the 300 Metres, FORZA and NIGHTLIGN bumped as FORZA commenced to give ground. GOOD GOOD VIEW was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 300 Metres. Passing the 150 Metres, PEARL WIN was shifted in away from the heels of KARL MARX to continue improving. Throughout the race, KA WAI FORTUNE, ARCHER’S BOW and SUPER BROTHER all travelled wide and without cover. After the race, W C Marwing stated that in the Straight FORZA made a significantly abnormal respiratory noise and gave ground noticeably. A veterinary inspection of FORZA including an endoscopic examination after the race showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, FORZA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of KARL MARX including an endoscopic examination after the race also showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, KARL MARX will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SUPER BROTHER had sustained a cut to the right hind pastern and that AFFECTION had sustained a cut to the left hind pastern. DIVINE DIYA and GOOD GOOD VIEW were sent for sampling.