28/10/2018  Happy Valley  Race 9

Shortly after the start, ULTIMATE GLORY shifted in and bumped CALIFORNIA GUNGHO which in turn shifted in and bumped GOLD LAND. LUCKY TIME shifted out at the start and bumped MY ALLY. From a wide barrier, GOOD OMEN was steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, THE JUDGE was crowded for room inside THUNDER STOMP which got its head on the side and shifted away from SUPER FORM (G van Niekerk). A short distance later, THE JUDGE and THUNDER STOMP were awkwardly placed inside the heels of SUPER FORM which shifted in. G van Niekerk was advised that whilst the Stewards accepted that THUNDER STOMP had initially shifted away from SUPER FORM which created the crowding to THE JUDGE, nonetheless he must ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners on his inside in similar circumstances. Approaching the 900 Metres, SUPER FORM shifted out marginally when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ULTIMATE GLORY. THE JUDGE, which was following SUPER FORM and travelling keenly, improved into tight running inside SUPER FORM where there was insufficient room which resulted in THE JUDGE having to be severely checked when SUPER FORM shifted back in marginally when it continued to be awkwardly placed close to the heels of ULTIMATE GLORY. When THE JUDGE was checked, it shifted in and made heavy contact with the hindquarters of HAPPY DRAGON which became badly unbalanced. Rounding the Home Turn, RACING LUCK was awkwardly placed behind LUCKY TIME. Near the 450 Metres, ULTIMATE GLORY and SUPER FORM raced tight as RACING LUCK shifted out from behind GOLD LAND. HAPPY DRAGON was badly held up for clear running from on straightening until passing the 150 Metres. THE JUDGE had difficulty obtaining clear running approaching and passing the 200 Metres. H N Wong (THUNDER STOMP) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of ULTIMATE GLORY, causing that horse to be severely checked when crowded for room between THUNDER STOMP and SUPER FORM which became badly unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by ULTIMATE GLORY. H N Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 14 November 2018 and to expire on Monday, 19 November 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Wong’s good race riding record. When ULTIMATE GLORY was severely checked approaching the 100 Metres, SUPER FORM, which remained badly unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters, shifted in abruptly, resulting in THUNDER STOMP, which was also unbalanced, being checked when crowded for room between SUPER FORM and MY ALLY. In this incident, THE JUDGE was shifted in away from THUNDER STOMP to continue improving. Close to the finishing line, THE JUDGE raced tight between MY ALLY and LUCKY TIME. For the majority of the race, THUNDER STOMP travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of THUNDER STOMP immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ULTIMATE GLORY immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, ULTIMATE GLORY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOOD OMEN and RACING LUCK were sent for sampling.