25/11/2007  Shatin  Race 7

On jumping, COSMO SUCCESSOR was bumped by DIAMOND BRILLIANCE which was hampered and carried out by FRIENDSHIP which on jumping shifted ground. JUST RIGHT was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, NIRVANA was checked when crowded for room between BLUE SAINT and PROFITING CHAMPION which shifted out. When questioned regarding his riding of NIRVANA approaching and passing the 100 Metres, S Dye explained in the early stages of the race he allowed his mount to travel where it was comfortable, approaching the 600 Metres he rode his mount along to ensure it held its position to the outside of BLUE SAINT on the outside rail. He said he continued to ride NIRVANA along hands and heels and the horse responded only fairly to his riding. He said approaching the 100 Metres as he was improving towards the outside of SHY BALDY, that horse commenced to shift out after being struck with the whip which had been changed into the rider’s right hand. He said he was aware PLEZAYRE was racing tight outside SHY BALDY and he was concerned those runners would shift out as PROFITING CHAMPION was shifting out when barely clear of them. He said because of this he did not continue to ride NIRVANA along for some distance approaching and passing the 100 Metres. He said around 50 Metres from the winning post he commenced to ride NIRVANA out with the whip, however, the horse failed to make any ground on other runners. Mr C Fownes, trainer of NIRVANA, confirmed immediately following the race S Dye had reported to him that he stopped riding his mount approaching and passing the 100 Metres as he was concerned runners to his inside would shift out when not clear of him. After viewing the film, Mr Fownes said SHY BALDY did shift out slightly near the 100 Metres which left doubtful running room to his outside. S Dye was severely reprimanded for his riding in this section of the race and told in slightly different circumstances he could be found to be in breach of a serious Rule. He was told because of the manner in which NIRVANA closed off the final part of the race, the Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied his riding had cost the horse a placing, however, he has an obligation to ensure that he rides his mounts in a competitive manner at all stages of a race. COSMO SUCCESSOR was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, COSMO SUCCESSOR was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. GALBRAITH, SOUTH CHINA ELITE and DIAMOND BRILLIANCE were sent for sampling. After the race, it was reported PROFITING CHAMPION had lost its right front plate.