15/09/2007  Shatin  Race 10

FIRM OFFER was slow to begin and then lost further ground when bumped by SURVEY SURVEY which began awkwardly and shifted out. MAVERICK STAR was slow to begin and then despite being ridden along failed to muster speed. For the majority of the race, VIVA MACAU travelled wide and without cover and in the early stages proved difficult to settle. After the 1200 Metres, HAPPEE OWNER became unbalanced when POCKET MONEY was close to its heels. After the 600 Metres, HAWKES BAY was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of EXCELLENT BOY. After the 200 Metres, VIVA MACAU was steadied to avoid the heels of POCKET MONEY (F Coetzee) which shifted in when not quite clear. F Coetzee was severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. After the 200 Metres, HAWKES BAY and EXCELLENT BOY bumped, causing both horses to become unbalanced. Also after the 200 Metres, FIRM OFFER was checked when disappointed for running between GOODY and GO JOHNNY GO. At the same time, GOODY and MAVERICK STAR raced tight and bumped. C K Tong (GO JOHNNY GO) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 200 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount which had bumped with GOODY from shifting in when not clear of WHATABOB, resulting in that horse losing its rightful running and being checked. C K Tong was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Tuesday 2 October 2007 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday 23 September 2007. In addition, C K Tong was fined $15,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. Over the concluding stages, FIRM OFFER did not obtain clear running. Throughout the race, HAPPEE OWNER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding in the Straight on SILVER SUN, Apprentice C W Wong said his mount wanted to lay in and proved difficult for him to shift out. He said because of this and there being a line of horses in front, he was not able to fully test SILVER SUN. Apprentice Wong was told his riding had come under notice and he was to ensure he at all times does his utmost to provide his mounts with clear running. When questioned, G Boss (HAWKES BAY) said he had been informed the horse did not have an established racing pattern and had been gelded since its last race start. He added in the past HAWKES BAY had proved difficult to settle. For this reason, he was instructed from the outside barrier to ride HAWKES BAY in a rearward position with cover and have the horse settled. HAPPEE OWNER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, HAPPEE OWNER was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was severely lame in its left hind leg as a result of being galloped on. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPEE OWNER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SURVEY SURVEY, POCKET MONEY and MAVERICK STAR were sent for sampling. Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GOODY had sustained a wound to its right hind leg as a result of being galloped on. Before being allowed to race again, GOODY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.