24/02/2019  Shatin  Race 3

WAYFOONG CHARMER was withdrawn on 23.2.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter HAPPY GUY (T H So). Before being allowed to race again, WAYFOONG CHARMER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the Start, it was noted that LITTLE GENERAL had blood at the mouth. LITTLE GENERAL was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion the horse was suitable to race. After being loaded into the barriers, LUCKY RAINBOW became fractious and reared on a number of occasions. LUCKY RAINBOW then began awkwardly and lost ground. IRON BRAVO shifted in at the start and bumped DOR DOR. LITTLE GENERAL and CHARIZARD bumped at the start. CHARIZARD and LITTLE GENERAL were then hampered a short distance after the start when RED HORSE shifted out. In this incident, KWAI CHUNG ELITE was bumped by LITTLE GENERAL. From wide barriers, EIGHT TRIGRAMS and DIAMOND DRAGON were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After initially racing tight inside HAPPY GUY near the 900 Metres, SIMPLE ELEGANT was then reluctant to maintain its position and, despite being ridden along, lost ground approaching and passing the 700 Metres. When SIMPLE ELEGANT lost ground, CHARIZARD was awkwardly placed behind that horse near the 700 Metres. Making the turn near the 850 Metres, BRAVE BABY shifted out and inconvenienced BINGO. C Schofield (IRON BRAVO) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 800 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount from shifting in when not clear of RED HORSE, resulting in that horse being hampered when crowded for room inside IRON BRAVO. C Schofield was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 10 March 2019 and to expire on Thursday, 14 March 2019 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). After the 600 Metres, DIAMOND DRAGON got its head on the side and lay out. Near the 250 Metres, LITTLE GENERAL shifted out abruptly away from the heels of HAPPY GUY. After the 200 Metres, CHARIZARD was shifted in a number of horses to obtain clear running and then near the 100 Metres was shifted further to the inside of BINGO to continue improving. Near the 50 Metres, EIGHT TRIGRAMS raced tight outside DOR DOR. Close to the finishing line, CHARIZARD shifted out and bumped BINGO. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY RAINBOW immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of LUCKY RAINBOW, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY RAINBOW will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. VOYAGE STAR and BRAVE BABY were sent for sampling.