14/09/2014  Shatin  Race 2

ALLEY-OOP and FLYING KEEPER were slow to begin. JUST GOOD shifted out at the start and bumped SPARKLING SWORD which became unbalanced and in turn bumped the hindquarters of CALIFORNIA ROCK. From the outside barrier, KING ON EARTH was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. K C Leung (MASSIVE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near 1100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of CALIFORNIA ROCK which was taken in onto SPARKLING SWORD, resulting in those horses being unnecessarily crowded for room and causing SPARKLING SWORD to lose its rightful running approaching the 1000 Metres. In this incident, MONEY CAFE was steadied away from the heels of SPARKLING SWORD near the 1100 Metres and AMERICAN FAME became unbalanced when bumped by SPARKLING SWORD near the 1000 Metres. K C Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 9 October 2014 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 Wednesday, 1 October 2014. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Jockey Leung’s good race riding record during the most recent 2013/2014 racing season. Passing the 1100 Metres, JUST MISTERE was steadied away from the heels of JOYFUL LUCK (O Doleuze) which shifted in when not quite clear. O Doleuze was advised to exercise more care. When being steadied to obtain cover behind POSITIVE ENERGY after the 1000 Metres, JOYFUL LUCK got its head up on a number of occasions. After the 700 Metres, JOYFUL LUCK travelled wide and without cover. Passing the 300 Metres, SHANGHAI PIONEER got its head on the side and lay in. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SPARKLING SWORD, Z Purton stated that after bumping MONEY CAFE shortly after the start, SPARKLING SWORD became unbalanced and was inclined to race keenly. He said after being crowded for room for some distance approaching the 1000 Metres, SPARKLING SWORD did not travel comfortably at any stage thereafter and he was obliged to ride the horse along in an endeavour to maintain its position. He added after being placed under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn, SPARKLING SWORD was particularly disappointing in the manner in which it did not respond to his riding and gave ground noticeably over the latter stages of the race. A veterinary inspection of SPARKLING SWORD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SPARKLING SWORD, a favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SPARKLING SWORD 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 CALIFORNIA ROCK and JOYFUL LUCK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SPARKLING SWORD, JUST MISTERE and MASSIVE were sent for sampling.