17/04/2019  Happy Valley  Race 5

CHEERS VANQUISHER began only fairly and shortly after the start was crowded for room inside BALLISTIC KING which was taken in by BLITZING. From the outside barriers, ENDEARING and E MASTER were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the first turn approaching the 1000 Metres, IRON BOY was crowded for room inside HARRIER JET which was awkwardly placed inside the heels of BALLISTIC KING which got its head on the side and lay in away from BLITZING. Then a short distance after this, BLITZING and BALLISTIC KING bumped due to BLITZING shifting in marginally. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, BUOYANT BOY and HARRIER JET raced tight. Near the 250 Metres, BUOYANT BOY was crowded for room between HARRIER JET (N Callan) which initially shifted in and BLITZING (K Teetan) which shifted out. Both N Callan and K Teetan were advised to ensure that they make every endeavour to prevent their mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. N Callan (HARRIER JET) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 150 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of BUOYANT BOY, causing that horse to be unnecessarily hampered and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. N Callan was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 8 May 2019 and to expire on Sunday, 12 May 2019 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, N Callan was fined $25,000. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of C Y Ho (BUOYANT BOY), 5th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position having regard to the head margin between the horse and the 4th placegetter, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. G van Niekerk (CHEERS VANQUISHER) was spoken to regarding his use of the whip on a limited number of occasions on a horse which was out of contention. A veterinary inspection of BALLISTIC KING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BLITZING, ENDEARING and HARRIER JET were sent for sampling.