01/01/2017  Shatin  Race 1

Trainer C W Chang was fined the sum of $3,000 for presenting MY FOLKS in the Parade Ring with a tongue tie which was not part of the horse's declared gear. Trainer C W Chang pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 155(5) of inappropriate behaviour, the inappropriate behaviour being that in the vicinity of the saddling stalls located in the Parade Ring prior to this race, he directed inappropriate language and made inappropriate contact with members of his stable staff. For this offence, Mr Chang was fined the sum of $10,000. On entering the track, LOYAL CRAFTSMAN made contact with a running rail. On arrival at the Start, LOYAL CRAFTSMAN was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. MY FOLKS, which was leaning on the outside of its stall when the start was effected, began only fairly. KERKENI was slow to begin. SWEET BEAN and GLAMOROUS RYDER bumped at the start. TELEPHATIA, ROCK THE TREE, HIGH SPEED METRO and LOYAL CRAFTSMAN were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. WIN CHANCE got its head up passing the 1800 Metres. Approaching the 700 Metres, KERKENI was steadied away from the heels of SWEET BEAN. Rounding the Home Turn, VIVACIOUS WINNER was awkwardly placed inside the heels of FRANCE VALOUR which was giving ground. Approaching the 300 Metres, GLAMOROUS RYDER and TELEPHATIA bumped. Passing the 300 Metres, VIVACIOUS WINNER was momentarily eased away from the heels of LOYAL CRAFTSMAN which shifted out. SWEET BEAN had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and approaching the 200 Metres was steadied away from the heels of KERKENI which was eased to avoid the heels of ROCK THE TREE (B Prebble) which shifted in. B Prebble was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground. At the same point, GLAMOROUS RYDER shifted out and bumped TELEPHATIA, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. Then passing the 200 Metres, GLAMOROUS RYDER was momentarily eased away from the heels of LOYAL CRAFTSMAN (S Clipperton) which shifted out to obtain clear running. S Clipperton was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground. Approaching the 100 Metres, TELEPHATIA and KERKENI brushed. Throughout the race, FRANCE VALOUR travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight was eased down. A veterinary inspection of FRANCE VALOUR immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils. When questioned, A Badel stated that he had viewed some of CHOICE EXCHEQUER's previous races and had noted that when CHOICE EXCHEQUER had been attempted to be steadied, the horse had travelled keenly and he was asked to ensure that the horse travelled comfortably in today's race. He said after obtaining the lead in the early stages, CHOICE EXCHEQUER was travelling comfortably, however, after the 1600 Metres was racing at a quicker tempo than he had hoped. He said although he was aware that the tempo he was setting was genuine during this part of the race, he was reluctant to attempt to steady CHOICE EXCHEQUER too much to ensure that the horse remained as relaxed as possible in the circumstances. He said he was also reluctant to direct CHOICE EXCHEQUER to race on the rail as the horse was travelling in a relaxed manner racing one horse away from the rail. He added as this principally occurred along the Back Straight, he was not overly concerned about not racing on the rail. A Badel was cautioned against raising his whip arm above the height of his shoulder. A veterinary inspection of MY FOLKS immediately following the race found that horse to be distressed and an endoscopic examination also showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, MY FOLKS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MY FOLKS, ROCK THE TREE and HIGH SPEED METRO were sent for sampling.