02/06/2013  Shatin  Race 5

On entering the track, PURE FORCE lost its left front plate. On arrival at the barriers, PURE FORCE had this plate refitted. PURE FORCE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that PURE FORCE had lost its left front plate. Also on arrival at the barriers, FAY DEEP, which was reported to have made contact with a rail on entering the track, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. From wide barriers, KISSMET and ALL MY GLORY were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. In the early stages, CONFUCIUS ELITE got its head up when proving difficult to settle. When being steadied with a view to being taken across behind runners in the early stages, P J HALL proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. Approaching the 700 Metres, PURE FORCE commenced to travel strongly, got its head on the side and hung out. Rounding the Home Turn, GRACEFUL KINGDOM got its head on the side, lay in and bumped T-BOLT which became unbalanced. At the entrance to the Straight, DINING STAR and GRACEFUL KINGDOM raced tight. K C Leung (FAY DEEP) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 400 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of T-BOLT (R Fourie), causing that horse to be taken out across the rightful running of GRACEFUL KINGDOM which as a result struck the heels of T-BOLT, blundered and almost fell. K C Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 24 June 2013 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday 16 June 2013. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that GRACEFUL KINGDOM was racing with its head on the side and hanging in and that after initially being directed out by FAY DEEP, T-BOLT shifted out away from that horse slightly which was a contributing factor to this incident. R Fourie was advised that whilst the Stewards were satisfied that his mount had been directed out by FAY DEEP, nonetheless he must take all available measures to prevent his mount from shifting further ground. After this incident, GRACEFUL KINGDOM was eased down. When questioned, Apprentice K C Ng stated that he had been asked to obtain cover on WELL DONE and that this was stressed to him on a number of occasions when being given the instructions. Trainer A T Millard stated that in a number of its races this season, WELL DONE had weakened after leading. He said as he expected that the tempo of today’s race would be good, he felt that too much use would have to be made of WELL DONE to cross runners to its inside in order to take up a forward position. He said therefore he asked Apprentice Ng to ride WELL DONE with cover but in a forward position if possible. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HAPPY HOMING had lost its right hind plate. A veterinary inspection of GRACEFUL KINGDOM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GRACEFUL KINGDOM, REGENCY CHAMPION and T-BOLT were sent for sampling.