15/05/2013  Happy Valley  Race 6

On arrival at the Start, JAEGER BOMB had its right hind plate adjusted. JAEGER BOMB was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. JAEGER BOMB was slow to begin. GREAT RUN began only fairly and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of HAPPY FOREVER which shifted in abruptly. HAPPY FOREVER continued to shift in, resulting in ALL FRIENDS being taken in across the running of SCRAPPER WELL which was hampered when taken in onto the hindquarters of GREAT SPIRIT. From a wide barrier, DISCIPLES TWELVE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. C W Wong (HINYUEN PALADIN) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of HAPPY FOREVER, causing that horse to be taken in across the rightful running of ALL FRIENDS which in turn was taken in onto GREAT SPIRIT which as a result was severely checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. When GREAT SPIRIT was checked, SCRAPPER WELL, which was following, was checked in consequence and shifted out, resulting in GREAT RUN also being hampered and taken wider. C W Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday, 9 June 2013 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, 29 May 2013. In addition, C W Wong was fined $20,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 2 further racedays. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Jockey Wong’s poor record this season in respect of careless riding offences. After the 1000 Metres, PERFECT FINISH got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY FOREVER which was being steadied to allow ENSEMBLE to cross. After this, PERFECT FINISH continued to prove very difficult to settle for some distance. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, GREAT SPIRIT got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of HAPPY FOREVER when reluctant to maintain its position inside that horse. SCRAPPER WELL, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of GREAT SPIRIT in consequence. After the 300 Metres, DISCIPLES TWELVE had difficulty obtaining clear running and at the 200 Metres was steadied away from the heels of NINTH GALAXY and shifted to the inside of that horse. For the majority of the race, NINTH GALAXY travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of PERFECT FINISH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings other than the horse had lost its left front plate. Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT FINISH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of JAEGER BOMB immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PERFECT FINISH, ENSEMBLE and PROLIFIC CHAMPION were sent for sampling.