06/01/2008  Shatin  Race 10

WIN AGAIN, which was fractious in its stall, began awkwardly and as a consequence lost a considerable amount of ground. SECRET OF KINGS was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, HE CAN TANGO was steadied away from the heels of GREAT GUY. From the outside barrier, JIANG JUN was taken across behind runners. After the 1000 Metres, JIANG JUN was checked to avoid the heels of INSPIRATION which at this time was also checked to avoid the heels of BEAR MACHO which came away from the heels of GREAT GUY. In the circumstances, no action was taken. After the 600 Metres, SECRET OF KINGS was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of KINDACROSS. For the majority of the Home Straight, KINDACROSS, INSPIRATION and GALLANT LION were held up and unable to obtain clear running. An inquiry into the reason for AMPLE GAINS being checked after the 150 Metres was adjourned to a date to be fixed. At the 100 Metres, INSPIRATION, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was hampered and bumped on two occasions by GALLANT LION (S Dye) which was shifting out to obtain clear running. S Dye was reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. S Dye was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the winning post he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of FULL OF JOY, causing that horse to lose its rightful running and be checked. S Dye was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday 17 January 2008 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 9 January 2008. In addition, S Dye was fined $20,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. Throughout the race, LOTZATOW and FULL OF JOY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Beadman (INSPIRATION) said he had been instructed to ensure his mount had cover and was not ridden along to go forward. He said because of this he rode INSPIRATION quietly in the early stages and obtained a position behind BEAR MACHO which he believed would have had INSPIRATION racing about midfield. He said after the 1000 Metres the tempo of the race steadied when GREAT GUY allowed REGENCY DRAGON to cross to race outside the leader. He said when this occurred, INSPIRATION, which was proving difficult to settle, was checked away from the heels of BEAR MACHO and lost further ground and as a consequence travelled further back in the field. He said INSPIRATION continued to travel keenly after this. He said in the Straight INSPIRATION was held up for clear running, however, gave him the feeling that it would not close the race off strongly because of the manner in which it had travelled in the early part of the race. The Stewards will speak with Mr J Moore, trainer of INSPIRATION, at a date to be fixed. INSPIRATION, HE CAN TANGO and WEI HAI INVINCIBLE were sent for sampling.