19/02/2020  Shatin  Race 6

BALTIC SUCCESS shifted out at the start and bumped AMBITIOUS HEART. MOMENTUM GALAXY shifted out at the start and bumped SILVER FIG which began awkwardly. FRUSTRATED stumbled at the start, shifted out and inconvenienced HANDSOME REBEL. Despite being ridden along for some distance in the early stages, AMBITIOUS HEART failed to muster speed. From wide barriers, WHISKEY NEAT and NORDIC WARRIOR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. K Teetan (WILL POWER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of MOMENTUM GALAXY, causing that horse to be checked away from the heels of WILL POWER and to be unnecessarily hampered. K Teetan was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 11 March 2020 and to expire on Sunday, 15 March 2020 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Teetan’s good race riding record. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if CALIFORNIA ARCHER had been afforded a fair start. After viewing the videos, it was established that as the start was effected CALIFORNIA ARCHER reared and turned its head to the left and into the adjoining stall. When CALIFORNIA ARCHER reared, C Schofield, the rider of that horse, was dislodged, resulting in CALIFORNIA ARCHER leaving the barrier stalls riderless. As the Stewards were satisfied that CALIFORNIA ARCHER had been standing satisfactorily as the start was effected, it was found to have been afforded a fair start and accordingly CALIFORNIA ARCHER was deemed to be a runner. Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIA ARCHER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. A veterinary inspection of BALTIC SUCCESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RED DESERT and WILL POWER were sent for sampling.