01/01/2008  Shatin  Race 9

ALWAYS GIGGLE was withdrawn on 30.12.07 by order of the Stewards (stable transfer) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter MAINLAND SHUTTLE (G Mossé). DRAGON AND GOLD was withdrawn on 31.12.07 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore left fore tendon). Before being allowed to race again, DRAGON AND GOLD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FEVER PITCH, which was fractious in its stall, began awkwardly and lost ground. MIRACLE FORTUNE was slow to begin. On jumping, MAINLAND SHUTTLE knuckled. In the early stages from the outside barrier, KING PRAWN SUPREME was taken across behind runners. Near the 1000 Metres, GALEN WIN was momentarily steadied away from the heels of BLUE SAINT. After the 1000 Metres, MIRACLE FORTUNE, which was proving difficult to settle, was checked when awkwardly placed between the heels of GALEN WIN and KINGIFLY which was also proving difficult to settle. On straightening, KING PRAWN SUPREME was steadied and shifted out to obtain clear running. Between the 300 Metres and the 200 Metres, BEAUTY PLUS was held up and unable to obtain clear running. F Coetzee (GILDED FLIGHT) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 300 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount from shifting out when not clear of MIRACLE FORTUNE, causing that horse to lose its rightful running and be severely checked. F Coetzee was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday 13 January 2008 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 next Sunday 6 January 2008. In addition, F Coetzee was fined $35,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. Passing the 300 Metres, MAINLAND SHUTTLE raced tight inside CRAIG’S DRAGON. At the 250 Metres, FEVER PITCH, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied when disappointed for running between KINGSTON WINNER and KINGIFLY. Throughout the race, GILDED FLIGHT travelled wide and without cover. The performance of MIRACLE FORTUNE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MIRACLE FORTUNE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. W M Lai (KINGSTON WINNER) explained he went forward in the early stages as anticipated. He said approaching the turn at the 800 Metres he allowed KINGSTON WINNER to continue forward to race outside the lead in a three wide position. When questioned, W M Lai said after the 800 Metres he did consider allowing KINGSTON WINNER to continue on and cross to the lead, however, in his opinion he would have been required to make considerable use of the horse to clear runners to his inside. He said as a consequence KINGSTON WINNER continued to race in a three wide position up until approaching the Home Turn when he was able to shift across to race outside the leader when BLUE SAINT gave ground on his inside. NEW CHAPTER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, NEW CHAPTER was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. CRAIG’S DRAGON and KINGIFLY were sent for sampling. Following the race, it was noted KINGIFLY had sustained a cut to the left hind hock as a result of being galloped on and GILDED FLIGHT had sustained a cut to the left front fetlock.