29/10/2014  Happy Valley  Race 4

DUAL HAPPY and KING OF REASON bumped at the start. Shortly after the start, OXFORD CHARLEY was bumped by DRAGON PINS which shifted in. From the outside barriers, CRUISE CONTROL and LET'S GOAL were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, DUAL HAPPY was checked and lost ground when crowded for room inside OXFORD CHARLEY which got its head on the side and shifted in away from SPIRIT SOARING (C Reith) which shifted in marginally. C Reith was advised that whilst the racing manners of OXFORD CHARLEY had played a significant part in this incident, nonetheless he must ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside wherever possible. HEALTH WISE travelled wide and without cover until approaching the 600 Metres at which time the horse was hard ridden to obtain the lead. Approaching the 600 Metres, DUAL HAPPY and DRAGON PINS raced tight as DUAL HAPPY attempted to shift out from behind NAMJONG TURBO. Then making the turn after the 600 Metres, DUAL HAPPY got its head up and lost ground when being steadied away from the heels of NAMJONG TURBO. Near the 500 Metres, DRAGON PINS shifted out abruptly and became unbalanced after being bumped by NAMJONG TURBO which shifted out marginally when awkwardly placed close to the heels of REAL GENERAL. Near the 450 Metres, REAL GENERAL and SPIRIT SOARING raced tight as REAL GENERAL shifted out away from the heels of HEALTH WISE which was commencing to give ground. For some distance rounding the Home Turn, OXFORD CHARLEY was checked when taken back through the field by HEALTH WISE which gave ground abruptly. FIGHTING BOY, which was following, was hampered in consequence. The performance of HEALTH WISE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HEALTH WISE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. At the entrance to the Straight, OXFORD CHARLEY was shifted in away from the heels of REAL GENERAL. Also at the entrance to the Straight, SMART UNION was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPIRIT SOARING when being shifted to the outside of that horse. Passing the 300 Metres, DUAL HAPPY was shifted to the outside of DRAGON PINS when disappointed for running between that horse which shifted in and NAMJONG TURBO. For some distance after the 200 Metres, FIGHTING BOY was held up for clear running behind SMART UNION. C Reith pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 150 Metres he permitted SPIRIT SOARING to shift out when not clear of SMART UNION, resulting in that horse being hampered and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled and in turn being taken out onto NAMJONG TURBO which also lost its rightful running and was checked.  C Reith was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 20 November 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 Sunday, 9 November, 2014. DUAL HAPPY, LET'S GOAL and DRAGON PINS were sent for sampling.