08/07/2018  Shatin  Race 9

PAKISTAN FRIEND began only fairly. FOREVER KINDNESS began awkwardly and then was crowded for room shortly after the start between ENJOY LIFE and GOLDEN FOUR which shifted out. In this incident, ENJOY LIFE became unbalanced after being bumped by FOREVER KINDNESS. From wide barriers, HINYUEN SWIFTNESS, FORTUNE PATROL and MAJESTIC ENDEAVOUR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 950 Metres, EVERYONE’S ELITE commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed behind FOREVER KINDNESS. Approaching the 800 Metres, EXPRESS STAR was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 650 Metres, FOREVER KINDNESS commenced to travel keenly and was checked away from the heels of FORTUNATE RUNNER. Apprentice C Wong (ENJOY LIFE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 400 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of BIG BULLY, causing that horse to be severely checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. As Apprentice Wong was unable to ride at the final two racemeetings for the current racing season due to a previous careless riding charge, the Stewards, after hearing submissions from Apprentice Wong and his allocated trainer, Mr A T Millard, decided that the appropriate penalty was for Apprentice Wong to be fined the sum of $62,500. Near the 250 Metres, FORTUNE PATROL was steadied away from the heels of MAJESTIC ENDEAVOUR after being bumped by EVERYONE’S ELITE which shifted out before being corrected by its rider. GOLDEN FOUR had some difficulty obtaining clear running approaching the 200 Metres. Approaching the 200 Metres, ENJOY LIFE, which was held up for clear running, was steadied and shifted to the outside of GOLDEN FOUR to obtain clear running. Then passing the 150 Metres, ENJOY LIFE was shifted out away from the heels of FORTUNATE RUNNER to continue improving. Near the 150 Metres, LEISURED FEET was momentarily crowded for room inside GOLDEN FOUR which, when endeavouring to obtain a tight run inside ENDEARING (D Whyte), was initially taken in marginally by that horse and then got its head on the side and shifted in further away from ENDEARING. As the Stewards were satisfied that ENDEARING had shifted only marginal ground as GOLDEN FOUR, which had previously been positioned behind that horse, was endeavouring to improve and having regard to GOLDEN FOUR then shifting away from ENDEARING, the Stewards did not believe that a charge of careless riding should be issued against D Whyte. Nonetheless he was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. A veterinary inspection of BIG BULLY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GOLDEN FOUR, PAKISTAN FRIEND and ENJOY LIFE were sent for sampling.