06/04/2014  Shatin  Race 8

ADMIRAL LORD began only fairly. WRATH OF FIRE was crowded for room at the start between GRIFFINDOR and HIGH TROJA which shifted out. W M Lai (GOLDEN DEER) pleaded guilty to a charge of improper riding [Rule 100(1)] in that from near the 1100 Metres until after the 1000 Metres he turned his mount’s head inwards and rode it inwards onto GRIFFINDOR and in doing so placed undue pressure on that horse, causing it to be forced off its line and to become unbalanced for some distance and resulting in JAEGER BOMB, which was positioned to the inside of GRIFFINDOR, being crowded for room near the 950 Metres. W M Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 15 May 2014 on which day he may resume race riding (7 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 16 April 2014. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that Jockey Lai’s riding of GOLDEN DEER had instigated the incident and that he had previously been penalized for breaching this Rule. N Callan (GRIFFINDOR) was found guilty of a charge of improper riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after racing tight inside GOLDEN DEER for some distance after the 1100 Metres, he extended his left elbow away from his body passing the 1000 Metres, resulting in his left elbow making contact with the torso of W M Lai, the rider of GOLDEN DEER. N Callan was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 1 May 2014 on which day he may resume race riding (5 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 9 April 2014. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that Jockey Callan had not previously been charged with a breach of this Rule during his riding career and that his mount had been racing tight inside GOLDEN DEER for some distance leading up to this incident. Passing the 600 Metres, GRIFFINDOR and GOLDEN DEER raced tight as GRIFFINDOR shifted out from behind SHINY DAY which was giving ground. At the 400 Metres, HIGH TROJA became unbalanced when crowded for room between MASSIVE IMPACT and ADMIRAL LORD (A Suborics) which shifted out. A Suborics was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he exercises more care when shifting ground. SUPREME ESSENCE was held up for clear running approaching and passing the 300 Metres. When being ridden along, HIGH TROJA shifted in abruptly near the 100 Metres towards GRIFFINDOR, resulting in its rider being obliged to stop riding and straighten the horse. The performance of MASSIVE IMPACT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MASSIVE IMPACT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of D Whyte (WRATH OF FIRE), 6th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned, T H So stated that SHINY DAY travelled satisfactorily in the run, however, came under heavy pressure after the 600 Metres and immediately commenced to give ground. He said he continued to ride the horse along rounding the Home Turn, however, it gave ground abruptly. He said as he was of the opinion that SHINY DAY may have been suffering internal issues, he eased it down in the Straight, however, the horse was well beaten at this time. A veterinary inspection of SHINY DAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SHINY DAY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SHINY DAY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of GRIFFINDOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JAEGER BOMB and SUPREME ESSENCE were sent for sampling.