30/05/2021  Shatin  Race 5

BOOMING WELL shifted out at the start and bumped BLISSFUL STAR. WHISKEY NEAT began only fairly. SIMPLE DOCTRINE shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of EXCELLENT CHARIOT. TRONIC MIGHTY shifted out at the start, resulting in SEE BINGO being taken out and bumping CORDYCEPS KING. After this, SEE BINGO and CORDYCEPS KING were steadied to obtain cover. From a wide barrier, COPARTNER AMBITION was also steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. H T Mo (DAY DAY RICH) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 1150 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of BLISSFUL STAR, resulting in that horse clipping the heels of that horse and becoming unbalanced when unnecessarily hampered. WHISKEY NEAT, which was following, was checked away from the heels of BLISSFUL STAR in consequence. H T Mo was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 20 June 2021 and to expire on Thursday, 24 June 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey Mo was fined $7,500. After the 1000 Metres, when being ridden along to obtain a forward position, TRONIC MIGHTY got its head on the side and lay in. Making the first turn near the 900 Metres, BLISSFUL STAR was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ZACIAN after being crossed by that horse. BOOMING WELL made the turn after the 900 Metres awkwardly and shifted out towards BLISSFUL STAR. Passing the 500 Metres, BLISSFUL STAR and SMART WONGCHOY raced tight as BLISSFUL STAR attempted to shift to the outside of JADE PHOENIX. Then passing the 400 Metres, SMART WONGCHOY got its head on the side and lay in towards the heels of JADE PHOENIX. Also passing the 500 Metres, VICTORIA GENERAL lay in and proved difficult to ride. VICTORIA GENERAL then raced greenly and at the 150 Metres was shifted out a number of horses. Passing the 400 Metres, BOOMING WELL was crowded for room inside ZACIAN which got its head on the side and lay in away from TRONIC MIGHTY. BOOMING WELL then continued to race tight inside ZACIAN which itself was racing tight inside TRONIC MIGHTY. This resulted in BOOMING WELL being unable to maintain its position inside ZACIAN passing the 250 Metres. EXCELLENT CHARIOT was held up for clear running until after the 200 Metres. CORDYCEPS KING hung in in the Straight and proved difficult to ride. Throughout the race, JADE PHOENIX travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, H Bentley stated that he was asked to ensure that EXCELLENT CHARIOT obtained cover and it was felt that this would be in a position in about midfield or in front of midfield. He said he rode his mount along in the early stages to try and be as forward as possible, however, EXCELLENT CHARIOT, despite being ridden along, did not show any early speed and because of this raced further back in the field than had been intended. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SEE BINGO had bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of WHISKEY NEAT and TRONIC MIGHTY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BLISSFUL STAR, COPARTNER AMBITION and SMART WONGCHOY were sent for sampling.