15/12/2007  Shatin  Race 2

THE ONLY KID and BOUNCER were slow to begin. Approaching the 400 Metres, CLASSIC HORSE was steadied and shifted to the inside of NAMJONG HUNTER. M W Leung (WHISKY POWER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of CLASSIC HORSE, causing that horse to lose its rightful running and be checked. CLEMENT ELITE, which was following, was hampered in consequence. M W Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday 27 December 2007 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting next Wednesday 19 December 2007. In addition, M W Leung was fined $15,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. After the 100 Metres, when closing the race off strongly, THE ONLY KID hung in. Also after the 100 Metres, BOUNCER had difficulty obtaining clear running between BROWN BEAR and JUGGERNAUT. When questioned, G Boss (MINGS’ HERO) explained approaching the 200 Metres his mount did not quicken when struck with the whip. He said he then positioned MINGS’ HERO to improve into clear running which was available to him between TREASURE PLANET and LUCIA, however, as he attempted to improve towards this position, THE ONLY KID improved quickly on his inside to obtain that running which as a result caused him to be disappointed and having to check his mount away from the heels of TREASURE PLANET. He said MINGS’ HERO continued to be awkwardly placed close to the heels of TREASURE PLANET for some distance. He said approaching the winning post he again was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TREASURE PLANET which at this time shifted out slightly and because of this he checked his mount. G Boss was told the Stewards accepted at the time he endeavoured to obtain running between LUCIA and TREASURE PLANET, there was clear running available to him, however, he was told after being disappointed for this run, he should then have made a greater effort to improve into running on the outside of TREASURE PLANET. W M Lai (AMAZING JOURNEY) was unable to offer an explanation for the poor performance of the horse. He said AMAZING JOURNEY began fairly, travelled comfortably in the early stages, however, after the 800 Metres when LUCIA improved on his outside, he immediately placed AMAZING JOURNEY under pressure to maintain his position. He said AMAZING JOURNEY failed to respond to his riding, kept on only one-paced until the 400 Metres and then gave ground. Mr P O’Sullivan, trainer of AMAZING JOURNEY, said he was surprised by the horse’s first up performance when racing over 1000 Metres. He said he had been of the opinion AMAZING JOURNEY would be better suited by races of further than 1000 Metres. He said however because of the horse’s first up performance, he again entered AMAZING JOURNEY over the 1000 Metres of today’s race He said to him the manner in which AMAZING JOURNEY raced today indicated the horse now needed to step up in distance. AMAZING JOURNEY was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of AMAZING JOURNEY after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of AMAZING JOURNEY was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, AMAZING JOURNEY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NAMJONG HUNTER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of NAMJONG HUNTER after the race did not show any significant findings. WHISKY POWER and LUCIA were sent for sampling.