27/12/2016  Shatin  Race 1

ALL TIMES LUCKY and FREE NOVEMBER bumped at the start. HAPPY FIERY DRAGON shifted out on jumping and hampered LEAN JOURNEY. Shortly after the start, INTELLECTUAL GLIDE, which was being steadied to obtain cover, was awkwardly placed between STARRY STARLIES and BERNARD'S CHOICE which was also being steadied. Near the 900 Metres, SMART GAIN was crowded for room inside NO LAUGHING MATTER which got its head on the side and shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. Passing the 900 Metres, BERNARD'S CHOICE was crowded for room inside EVERYONE'S CHOICE which, when improving into tight running inside FREE NOVEMBER, was taken in by that horse. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, GOLDEN CANNON became unbalanced and shifted out towards the heels of O'SOCOOLE. Passing the 800 Metres, LUCKY SEBRING became unbalanced when momentarily crowded for room inside BERNARD'S CHOICE which was racing tight inside EVERYONE'S CHOICE which in turn was racing tight inside FREE NOVEMBER. Near the 650 Metres, LEAN JOURNEY was steadied away from the heels of BERNARD'S CHOICE. Near the 450 Metres, GOLDEN CANNON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RUGBY DIAMOND. SMART GAIN and LUCKY SEBRING, which were following, were hampered in consequence. Passing the 400 Metres, EVERYONE'S CHOICE and FREE NOVEMBER raced tight. Approaching the 200 Metres, FREE NOVEMBER, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied away from the heels of STARRY STARLIES (J Moreira) which shifted in before being corrected. J Moreira was advised to exercise more care. K C Leung (GOLDEN CANNON) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of NO LAUGHING MATTER, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. K C Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 18 January 2017 and to expire on Monday, 23 January 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, K C Leung was fined $15,000. Approaching the 100 Metres, INTELLECTUAL GLIDE and EVERYONE'S CHOICE raced tight between HAPPY FIERY DRAGON and STARRY STARLIES which got its head on the side and shifted in away from LEAN JOURNEY as that horse improved to its outside. Close to the finishing line, GOLDEN CANNON was steadied away from the heels of HAPPY FIERY DRAGON which, after being bumped by INTELLECTUAL GLIDE, shifted in away from that horse. For the majority of the race, HAPPY FIERY DRAGON and FREE NOVEMBER travelled wide and without cover. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of S Clipperton (O'SOCOOLE), 5th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse's finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels all the way to the end of the race where circumstances permit. S Clipperton was advised that as this was the 5th occasion this season that the Stewards had had cause to speak to him for failing to ride his mounts out all the way to the end of the race, he must address this aspect of his riding. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of RUGBY DIAMOND, Z Purton stated that although his mount was inclined to travel keenly in the middle stages after obtaining the lead, it had previously finished off its race after travelling in a similar manner. He said making the turn after the 900 Metres RUGBY DIAMOND was inclined to lay out away from the rail, however, he believed that the horse would be able to finish off the race. He added however RUGBY DIAMOND came under pressure in the early part of the Straight and then weakened noticeably over the latter stages. A veterinary inspection of RUGBY DIAMOND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of RUGBY DIAMOND, a favourite for today's race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race, RUGBY DIAMOND will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of NO LAUGHING MATTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RUGBY DIAMOND, LEAN JOURNEY and INTELLECTUAL GLIDE were sent for sampling.