17/06/2015  Happy Valley  Race 2

MASSIVE MOVE was slow to begin. OCTAL LUCK shifted in at the start and bumped KING’S STEED. Shortly after the start, SENSIBLE CHOICE shifted out and bumped SUCCESSFUL LEADER. For some distance after the start, OCTAL LUCK raced in restricted room between KING’S STEED and JOYEUX (Z Purton) which shifted in. In this incident, KING’S STEED became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by OCTAL LUCK approaching the 1000 Metres. Z Purton was advised that he must make every effort to ensure that runners to his inside have comfortable racing room. From wide barriers, PERI PERI SAFFRON and CONFUCIUS SPIRIT were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 900 Metres, PERI PERI SAFFRON got its head up when momentarily crowded for room inside SUCCESSFUL LEADER which got its head on the side and shifted in when racing tight to the inside of CONFUCIUS SPIRIT. After this, PERI PERI SAFFRON continued to race with its head up when reluctant to improve into tight running inside SUCCESSFUL LEADER. D Whyte (PEARL WIN) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 850 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of CONFUCIUS SPIRIT, resulting in that horse being taken in onto SUCCESSFUL LEADER which as a result was unnecessarily crowded for room and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. D Whyte was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 13 July 2015 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 Sunday, 5 July 2015. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Jockey Whyte’s good race riding record during the current racing season. KING’S STEED got its head on the side and shifted out making the turn after the 600 Metres, resulting in HAYHAY being bumped and racing tight inside SPURS ON. Approaching the 500 Metres, PERI PERI SAFFRON was checked when crowded for room inside CONFUCIUS SPIRIT which at this time improved of its own accord to be racing inside the heels of OCTAL LUCK which, after initially getting its head on the side and shifting out marginally, then shifted back in. Whilst the check to PERI PERI SAFFRON was one of some significance, the Stewards were satisfied that no rider error was involved in this incident and accordingly no further action was taken. Shortly after entering the Straight, OCTAL LUCK was hampered when improving into tight running between HAYHAY and SENSIBLE CHOICE which shifted in slightly. Near the 250 Metres, SPURS ON was brushed by MASSIVE MOVE which shifted out to obtain clear running. Throughout the race, SPURS ON travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of OCTAL LUCK and SPURS ON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JOYEUX and MASSIVE MOVE were sent for sampling.