10/05/2014  Shatin  Race 4

GREAT PEGASUS was slow to begin. LOADS OF JOY and CONFUCIUS ELITE bumped at the start. WORLD CITY shifted in at the start and bumped FOREVER AHEAD. After this, FOREVER AHEAD was shifted across behind runners. From the outside barrier, REAL CHAMPION was taken across behind runners in the early stages. Apprentice K C Ng (SUPER TORNADO) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 900 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of WORLD CITY, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. Apprentice Ng was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 29 May 2014 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Saturday, 17 May 2014. Making the turn near the 700 Metres, WHISTLE BLOWER and NAMJONG BLOSSOMS bumped when both racing wide and without cover. Near the 450 Metres, LOADS OF JOY and NAMJONG BLOSSOMS raced tight due to REAL CHAMPION shifting out into clear running. In the early part of the Straight, GREAT PEGASUS lay out under pressure. The performances of LOADS OF JOY, NAMJONG BLOSSOMS, WHISTLE BLOWER and SUPER TORNADO, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LOADS OF JOY, NAMJONG BLOSSOMS, WHISTLE BLOWER and SUPER TORNADO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the performance of CONFUCIUS ELITE, K Teetan stated that he had to ride CONFUCIUS ELITE along vigorously in the early stages to have the horse maintain its position as it was reluctant to race when faced with the kickback from runners in front. He said as CONFUCIUS ELITE was not travelling well, he shifted his mount to the outside of runners passing the 600 Metres to ascertain whether being out in the clear may assist CONFUCIUS ELITE in finishing off the race. He added whilst CONFUCIUS ELITE did travel better when not having to face the kickback, nonetheless the horse finished off the race only fairly in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of CONFUCIUS ELITE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NAMJONG BLOSSOMS lost its right front plate during the running of the race. After the race, M Chadwick advised the Stewards that he was experiencing pain in his right knee. M Chadwick was examined by the Club’s medical officers who advised that he was not fit to fulfil his remaining riding engagements. A veterinary inspection of NAMJONG BLOSSOMS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CONFUCIUS ELITE, FAIR WIND and MEDIC KINGDOM were sent for sampling.