11/05/2016  Happy Valley  Race 3

WORLD CITY was checked when crowded for room on jumping between LET ME DO which shifted out and GRACEFUL KINGDOM which was taken in by EXTREMELY FUN. A short distance later, GRACEFUL KINGDOM was steadied away from the heels of EXTREMELY FUN. From the outside barriers, RICCO RICCO and BORN TO RACE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. H W Lai (EXTREMELY FUN) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching and passing the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of IDYLLIC WIND which was checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled and then shifted in further across the rightful running of GOLDEN GLORY which was severely checked. When GOLDEN GLORY was severely checked, that horse shifted out, resulting in IDYLLIC WIND and CIRCUIT KING both being severely hampered and taken very wide. After this, CIRCUIT KING travelled wide and without cover. H W Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 6 June 2016 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, 22 May 2016. In addition, H W Lai was fined $15,000. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the high degree of carelessness exhibited by Jockey Lai and the severity of the interference sustained in particular by GOLDEN GLORY. Approaching the 850 Metres, WORLD CITY commenced to prove very difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of HOW SPEEDY for some distance. In the early part of the Straight, WINNING TALENT got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. Passing the 200 Metres, RICCO RICCO was steadied when unable to obtain clear running between HOW SPEEDY and GRACEFUL KINGDOM which was shifting out and awkwardly placed close to the heels of WORLD CITY. RICCO RICCO was then unable to obtain clear running until near the 150 Metres. GRACEFUL KINGDOM was held up for clear running over about the final 200 Metres and consequently was not able to be properly tested. Over the concluding stages, WORLD CITY and FREE NOVEMBER raced tight inside GOLDEN GLORY. A veterinary inspection of FREE NOVEMBER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of WORLD CITY immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, WORLD CITY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. EXTREMELY FUN and CIRCUIT KING were sent for sampling.