29/12/2013  Shatin  Race 2

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that SLEDGE HAMMER had sustained a cut to the outside of the right hind heel. SLEDGE HAMMER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. MY SURPLUS began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped TRILLION TREASURE which became unbalanced. SUPER ABUNDANTE was slow to begin and shortly after the start was crowded for room outside EVERYONE’S CHOICE which shifted out. WORLD CITY began only fairly. SPARKLING SWORD and HIT THE BID were badly crowded for room at the start between HEARTILY TALK which shifted in abruptly and SLEDGE HAMMER which shifted out after being bumped by TOP DRIVE. A short distance after this incident, HIT THE BID blundered when further crowded for room between HEARTILY TALK and SLEDGE HAMMER which continued to shift out abruptly despite the efforts of its rider. HIT THE BID lost its right front plate shortly after the start. Passing the 500 Metres, TRILLION TREASURE got its head on the side and shifted out across the heels of MY SURPLUS after being momentarily crowded for room between MY SURPLUS and HEARTILY TALK which was taken out by SLEDGE HAMMER which got its head on the side and again shifted out despite the efforts of its rider. After this, TRILLION TREASURE continued to lay out. Approaching the 400 Metres, SUPER ABUNDANTE was shifted to the inside of the heels of CHANS DELIGHT after being held up for clear running behind that horse. W M Lai (WORLD CITY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of ELEPHANT MAGIC, causing that horse to be severely checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. W M Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 16 January 2014 on which day he may resume race riding (4 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Wednesday, 1 January 2014. When considering the appropriate penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the high degree of carelessness exhibited by Jockey Lai in this incident. Approaching the 200 Metres, TRILLION TREASURE and HEARTILY TALK were hampered by MY SURPLUS which got its head on the side and shifted in away from SPARKLING SWORD. REAL FIT hung in throughout the race. The performance of TOP DRIVE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TOP DRIVE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, Z Purton reported that CHANS DELIGHT, after being struck with the whip prior to the 300 Metres, got its head on the side, hung in and proved difficult to ride. SOLAR SPIRIT, WORLD CITY and SUPER ABUNDANTE were sent for sampling.