11/11/2015  Happy Valley  Race 9

As the start was effected, JAEGER BOMB lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. After this, JAEGER BOMB was shifted across behind runners. From wide barriers, HAPPY CONTENDER, EXECUTIVE MANDATE and GOOD CHOICE were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, HIGH WARRIOR was awkwardly placed close to the heels of YOUNG RANGER. Near the 250 Metres, JAEGER BOMB was checked away from the heels of WILLIE INVICTUS after being disappointed for running between that horse and DALWARI. N Callan (YOUNG RANGER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of GO GO WIN, resulting in that horse being taken out across the rightful running of SPARKLING SWORD which as a result was checked. N Callan was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 10 December 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, 29 November 2015. When questioned, J Moreira stated that whilst he had not been tied down to any specific instructions on how SPARKLING SWORD should be ridden, it was anticipated that the horse would be able to take up a forward position behind the speed given its favourable barrier and the fact that it had previously shown pace in its races. He said after beginning well the pace of the race was quicker than he had anticipated and a number of horses on his inside were ridden along in the early stages to take up forward positions. He said given the tempo of the race in the early stages, he felt that it was more advantageous for SPARKLING SWORD not to be ridden along, rather to be shifted across and obtain cover. He said after initially shifting in behind YOUNG RANGER near the 1700 Metres, he was left racing in a position three wide outside HIGH WARRIOR approaching the winning post on the first occasion, therefore he elected to further steady SPARKLING SWORD so as to obtain a position one horse off the rail which he was able to do approaching the 1200 Metres. He added because of the circumstances of the race in the early stages, SPARKLING SWORD travelled further back in the field than had been intended. When questioned, Z Purton (WILLIE INVICTUS) stated that he had been asked to make the most of the horse��s inside barrier and obtain a position behind the leaders if possible. He said it was anticipated that the race would not be run at a particularly quick tempo and therefore it would be advantageous for WILLIE INVICTUS to be able to obtain a position with cover behind the speed. He said in the early stages DALWARI was being vigorously ridden along and he felt that had he have allowed DALWARI to cross WILLIE INVICTUS and that horse in turn may have allowed TRUMP to cross which would have resulted in WILLIE INVICTUS racing further back in the field than he had been instructed, therefore he made use of his horse to prevent DALWARI from crossing WILLIE INVICTUS with the hope that TRUMP would improve into the lead which would provide WILLIE INVICTUS with a trailing position. He added however that TRUMP was not ridden to assume the lead and rather obtained a trailing position behind DALWARI near the 1100 Metres. He said the early and the middle sectionals of the race were faster than what had been anticipated and because of the circumstances of the race WILLIE INVICTUS was then not able to finish off its race. A veterinary inspection of WILLIE INVICTUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of DALWARI, C Y Ho stated that he had to ride DALWARI along in the early stages to obtain a forward position and he was obliged to make more use of DALWARI to do so than he had hoped. He said the tempo of the race in the early and middle stages was quite strong and DALWARI came under pressure from the 500 Metres to maintain its position. He said despite being ridden out in the early part of the Straight, DALWARI weakened out of the race noticeably and, despite the strong early tempo of the race, in his opinion, was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of DALWARI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of DALWARI, a winner of its two most recent starts, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DALWARI will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DALWARI, YOUNG RANGER and GO GO WIN were sent for sampling.