15/09/2019  Shatin  Race 9

PERFECT GLORY shifted out at the start and bumped RACING FIGHTER. After this, from a wide barrier, PERFECT GLORY was shifted across behind runners. FAT TURTLE and PRANCE DRAGON were crowded for room on jumping between RAGING STORM and HELLO BEAUTY which shifted out. A short distance after the start, HELLO BEAUTY was crowded for room between FAT TURTLE and CALIFORNIA WHIP which shifted out. In this incident, CALIFORNIA WHIP, HELLO BEAUTY and FAT TURTLE all became unbalanced. After being ridden along from a wide barrier, RACING FIGHTER was steadied to obtain cover passing the 1100 Metres after failing to muster speed. Approaching the 1000 Metres, STYLING CITY shifted in and bumped FAT TURTLE. After this, STYLING CITY was left racing wide and without cover. RAGING STORM lost its right front plate approaching the 1000 Metres. Approaching the first turn near the 900 Metres, PRANCE DRAGON commenced to travel keenly, shifted in and bumped HELLO BEAUTY when racing in restricted room between that horse and RAGING STORM. HELLO BEAUTY then got its head on the side and lay out making the first turn, resulting in PRANCE DRAGON and RAGING STORM being hampered when taken wider. LUCKY HERO, which was racing outside RAGING STORM, was inconvenienced in consequence. After this, PRANCE DRAGON continued to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of STYLING CITY passing the 800 Metres. PRANCE DRAGON then shifted out away from the heels of STYLING CITY passing the 650 Metres when continuing to prove difficult to settle and consequently travelled wide and without cover. Passing the 600 Metres, RACING FIGHTER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HELLO BEAUTY. RAGING STORM was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 350 Metres, HELLO BEAUTY got its head on the side and shifted out under pressure. Passing the 300 Metres, TEAM SPIRIT was eased away from the heels of FAT TURTLE which shifted in. In this incident, TEAM SPIRIT made contact with CALIFORNIA WHIP. G van Niekerk (FAT TURTLE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of CALIFORNIA WHIP, resulting in that horse being unnecessarily crowded for room and then being steadied near the 100 Metres and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. G van Niekerk was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 6 October 2019 and to expire on Thursday, 10 October 2019 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, G van Niekerk was fined $20,000. After the 100 Metres, PERFECT GLORY had difficulty obtaining clear running and consequently was not able to be fully tested. A veterinary inspection of STYLING CITY, HELLO BEAUTY and PRANCE DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WATER DIVINER and FAT TURTLE were sent for sampling.