22/12/2021  Happy Valley  Race 9

YO BEAUTY lost ground when badly crowded for room on jumping between EQUALETTA BLITZ and STOICISM, both of which shifted ground. In this incident, STOICISM and EQUALETTA BLITZ also became unbalanced. SEIZING THE MOMENT began only fairly. From wide barriers, LOVING A BOOM, FLAMING PASSION and CLASSIC POSH were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From a wide barrier, ALL IN MIND was also steadied in the early stages, however, travelled wide and without cover throughout. Near the 950 Metres, LOVING A BOOM was awkwardly placed behind SEIZING THE MOMENT. Approaching the 900 Metres, EQUALETTA BLITZ and STOICISM raced tight. Passing the 300 Metres, LOVING A BOOM was shifted in away from the heels of SEIZING THE MOMENT to obtain clear running. Approaching the 200 Metres, WOOD ON FIRE and EQUALETTA BLITZ brushed. WOOD ON FIRE then shifted out passing the 200 Metres and bumped FLAMING PASSION. C Y Ho (YO BEAUTY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 100 Metres he directed his mount to the inside of COLONEL when not clear of GINSON, resulting in GINSON being unnecessarily crowded for room, being steadied away from the heels of YO BEAUTY and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. C Y Ho was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 29 December 2021 and to expire on Sunday, 2 January 2022 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Ho’s good race riding record. Throughout the race, EQUALETTA BLITZ travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, M Chadwick (FLAMING PASSION) stated that, from barrier 11, he was asked to steady the horse in the early stages to obtain cover as FLAMING PASSION had previously not finished off its races when left racing without cover. He said due to the makeup of the field, it was anticipated that FLAMING PASSION would be required to race near the rear of the field in order to obtain cover and avoid covering unnecessary ground. He said in accordance with his instructions he steadied FLAMING PASSION in the early stages and was able to obtain a position behind runners after the 1100 Metres. A veterinary inspection of FLAMING PASSION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ALL IN MIND and EQUALETTA BLITZ immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. IGNITING and STOICISM were sent for sampling.