11/04/2018  Happy Valley  Race 7

PIKACHU was checked on jumping when crowded for room between GENERAL SHERMAN and RICKFIELD which shifted out abruptly. In this incident, GENERAL SHERMAN became badly unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by PIKACHU and as a result shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of CIRCUIT GLORY which also became unbalanced. IMPERIAL GALLANTRY lost its right front plate shortly after the start. From the outside barrier, PATRIOT HERO was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Apprentice M F Poon (WINNING FAITH) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of IMPERIAL GALLANTRY, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. Apprentice Poon was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 25 April 2018 and to expire on Thursday, 3 May 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Apprentice Poon was fined $25,000. Passing the 500 Metres, INFINITY ENDEAVOUR momentarily raced in restricted room inside STAR MAJESTIC. Near the 250 Metres, INFINITY ENDEAVOUR raced tight inside CIRCUIT GLORY which got its head on the side and lay in. Near the 50 Metres, K Teetan (PATRIOT HERO) dropped his right rein. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WINNING FAITH, Apprentice M F Poon stated that he was asked to clear IMPERIAL GALLANTRY and LITTERATEUR to his inside in the early stages in order to have WINNING FAITH in as forward a position as possible given that it was anticipated that the race would not be run at a fast tempo. He said however that on jumping WINNING FAITH was slow to begin and because of this, despite being ridden along in the early stages, was required to race much further back in the field than had been intended. He said after initially racing in a three wide position, WINNING FAITH was able to obtain cover behind RICKFIELD near the 1000 Metres. He said the pace of the race in the early and middle stages was slow and when the tempo quickened after the 800 Metres, WINNING FAITH was left flat-footed and was unable to quicken with the remainder of the field. He said WINNING FAITH subsequently finished off the race only one-paced. He added whilst it may have appeared that WINNING FAITH was disappointing, he believed that having to race back in the field after being slow to begin and with the fluctuating tempo of the race at various stages had not advantaged WINNING FAITH. A veterinary inspection of WINNING FAITH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of IMPERIAL GALLANTRY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. WINNING FAITH, STAR MAJESTIC and CIRCUIT GLORY were sent for sampling. <12/4/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>WINNING FAITH, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. WINNING FAITH was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C S Shum this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, WINNING FAITH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.