27/11/2016  Shatin  Race 9

At declaration time, O Murphy was declared as the rider of both CLUB LIFE and KA YING KID. It was established that O Murphy had a firm commitment to ride CLUB LIFE. As such, the Stewards permitted C Schofield to be substituted as the rider of KA YING KID. For this declaration error, O Murphy was fined $2,000. PREMIUM CHAMPION, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 26.11.16 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind). Before being allowed to race again, PREMIUM CHAMPION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. UNICORN was checked and RUBY COAST hampered when crowded for room on jumping between MARVEL HERO and AVELLINO which got its head on the side and shifted in away from PRAWN BABA despite the efforts of its rider. Z Purton (PRAWN BABA) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 1450 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of AVELLINO, resulting in that horse being taken in across the rightful running of MARVEL HERO which was checked and lost its rightful running. Z Purton was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 14 December 2016 and to expire on Sunday, 18 December 2016 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Z Purton's good race riding record. Near the 1350 Metres, C Y Ho (BEAUTY LOVE) adjusted his left foot in the stirrup iron. After the 900 Metres, STARSHIP was left racing wide and without cover. MARVEL HERO had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. After this, MARVEL HERO was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 150 Metres. Passing the 300 Metres, THUNDER STOMP was shifted in away from the heels of KA YING KID. KA YING KID was held up for clear running from passing the 300 Metres until near the 150 Metres at which time the horse was steadied after being disappointed for running between UNIQUE HAPPIEST and BEAUTY LOVE which was giving ground. Then over the concluding stages, KA YING KID was awkwardly placed close to the heels of STARSHIP and consequently was not able to be properly tested. Near the 250 Metres, MARVEL HERO was steadied when crowded for room between STARSHIP and WHOOP WHOOP which was taken out by UNIQUE HAPPIEST which, after initially being directed out by BEAUTY LOVE (C Y Ho), then shifted out away from that horse. C Y Ho was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he straightens his mounts sooner than he did on this occasion. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on AVELLINO at the request of Trainer P O'Sullivan. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, AVELLINO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of UNICORN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. UNICORN, HAPPY PLACE and PRAWN BABA were sent for sampling.