29/03/2017  Happy Valley  Race 5

As the start was effected, CAREFREE LET GO lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently began only fairly. CAREFREE LET GO was then ridden along to obtain a forward position, however, travelled wide and without cover until passing the 600 Metres at which stage the horse shifted in to race outside the lead. YOUNG DREAMER was slow to begin and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Also from a wide barrier, PACKING GO GO was steadied in the early stages and shifted across to obtain cover. Shortly after the start, RAY OF GOLD and COUR VALANT raced tight outside ROMAN IMPERO which shifted out. JUMBO HAPPINESS shifted in and brushed the running rail near the 600 Metres. T H So (ST YAZIN) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 600 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of PACKING GO GO, causing that horse to be unnecessarily crowded for room, to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. T H So was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 12 April 2017 and to expire on Tuesday, 18 April 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey So's good race riding record. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SEE ME NOW, K C Leung stated that due to the horse having drawn the outside barrier and as horses which were ridden on the pace appeared to be suited in the early races conducted tonight he had been asked to ride SEE ME NOW positively in the early stages. He added although it was preferable for the horse to obtain cover, he felt that this might be difficult given the makeup of the field and the wide draw. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode SEE ME NOW along in the early stages and the horse travelled comfortably outside the lead in the middle stages. He said after being crossed by CAREFREE LET GO after the 500 Metres, SEE ME NOW immediately came off the bridle and then did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of SEE ME NOW immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Passing the 150 Metres, GOLD TALENT was shifted in away from the heels of CAREFREE LET GO to continue improving. A veterinary inspection of ROMAN IMPERO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JUMBO HAPPINESS and SHOWING CHARACTER were sent for sampling.