15/04/2015  Happy Valley  Race 5

From wide barriers, SHINING CHAMPION and BRILLIANT DREAM were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. K C Leung (HEARTS KEEPER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of MULTIEXPRESS, resulting in that horse being crowded for room and in turn taken in onto COUR VALANT, causing that horse to be checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. K C Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 7 May 2015 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, 26 April 2015. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that COUR VALANT had exacerbated the incident with its racing manners after being initially crowded for room. For some distance after the 900 Metres, COUR VALANT raced with its head on the side. At the entrance to the Straight, HAWTHORNE shifted out and bumped HEARTS KEEPER. Approaching the 200 Metres, SHINING CHAMPION was shifted in away from the heels of BRILLIANT DREAM. Passing the 200 Metres, HEARTS KEEPER got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. A veterinary inspection of COUR VALANT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of SHINING CHAMPION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DILLY, PEACE N PROSPERITY and DASHING CERAMIBO were sent for sampling.