18/11/2018  Shatin  Race 1

VIRTUS STAR was slow to begin. KING OF THE NORTH was also slow to begin and then after being ridden along for some distance in the early stages was eased out of the race after making the turn near the 900 Metres. A veterinary inspection of KING OF THE NORTH immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, KING OF THE NORTH will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUPER STAR was crowded for room on jumping between HAPPY WARRIOR and SUPER EURO STAR which shifted in. In this incident, HAPPY WARRIOR became unbalanced when bumped by SUPER STAR. From the outside barrier, CHARIZARD was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1000 Metres, KING MORTAR momentarily raced in restricted room inside the heels of REGENCY DARLING which got its head on the side and shifted in away from SUPER EURO STAR. KA YING BRILLIANCE, which was racing to the inside of KING MORTAR, was inconvenienced in consequence. Passing the 900 Metres, KA YING BRILLIANCE got its head up when awkwardly placed behind ALPHA HEDGE. Also passing the 900 Metres, SUPER STAR was awkwardly placed close to the heels of COURT RULER which shifted out marginally. For some distance after this, SUPER STAR was awkwardly placed behind COURT RULER and passing the 700 Metres, after being directed out by CHARIZARD, shifted out when checked away from the heels of COURT RULER which got its head on the side and shifted out away from HAPPY WARRIOR. After this, both COURT RULER and SUPER STAR were left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 600 Metres, KA YING BRILLIANCE was awkwardly placed behind ALPHA HEDGE and then at the entrance to the Straight was shifted in away from the heels of that horse to obtain clear running. Making the turn near the 500 Metres, REGENCY DARLING, which for the majority of the race travelled wide and without cover, got its head on the side and lay out. Passing the 300 Metres, ALPHA HEDGE shifted out and bumped KING MORTAR. W M Lai (SUPER EURO STAR) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that for some distance approaching and passing the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out under pressure when not clear of BRAVE BABY, causing that horse to be unnecessary hampered and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. W M Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 5 December 2018 and to expire on Monday, 10 December 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, W M Lai was fined $7,500. Passing the 100 Metres, HAPPY WARRIOR was steadied when crowded for room between CHARIZARD and SUPER STAR which was directed out by KING MORTAR (Apprentice H T Mo). Apprentice Mo was severely reprimanded and reminded of the requirement to be alert to his mounts shifting ground and to straighten them at the earliest opportunity. CHARIZARD and ALPHA HEDGE were sent for sampling.