09/01/2008  Happy Valley  Race 4

TREASURE RAIDERS and BRILLIANT FLASH began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, GALLANT FALCON and TREASURE RAIDERS were checked when crowded for room between SOHNA and SUPER FIGHTER which on jumping shifted in. Approaching the 1500 Metres, SOHNA and TREASURE RAIDERS were momentarily crowded for room inside SUPER FIGHTER which shifted in. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, GALLANT FALCON raced tight inside SOLAR (D Beadman) which was being shifted in to a two wide position. As a result of this, GALLANT FALCON became awkwardly placed close to the heels of SOHNA. D Beadman was told to exercise greater care. After the 1200 Metres, SUPER FIGHTER was left racing wide and without cover and was then allowed to stride forward. After entering the Back Straight, SOLAR was steadied away from the heels of TREASURE RAIDERS which shifted in momentarily when proving difficult to settle. Also after entering the Back Straight, CLOVIS was left racing wide and without cover. After the 700 Metres, SOLAR got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of TREASURE RAIDERS. Some inconvenience was caused to SUPER FANTASY which was following. Making the Home Turn, CLOVIS and SOLAR were carried wider by GALLANT FALCON which shifted out into clear running. Then at the 250 Metres, SOLAR and CLOVIS bumped as a result of CLOVIS shifting in and SOLAR being carried out by GALLANT FALCON. SUPER FANTASY, which was following, was steadied in consequence. For some distance after this, SUPER FANTASY was held up and unable to improve. For some distance approaching the 200 Metres, MASTER DREAMER had difficulty obtaining clear running. After the 100 Metres, MASTER DREAMER was bumped by FRONTIER which shifted out. S Dye (SOHNA), 3rd placegetter, pleaded guilty to a charge of having failed to ride his mount out to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stewards. In the circumstances of this case, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was for S Dye’s licence to ride in races to be suspended until Sunday 2 March 2008 on which day he may resume race riding (10 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension shall commence on Thursday 24 January 2008 on which day Jockey Dye was eligible to resume race riding from the careless riding suspension imposed upon him in Race 3. When questioned, S Dye (SOHNA) explained after entering the Straight he shifted away from the rail in an endeavour to obtain clear running. He said approaching the 250 Metres clear running commenced to present itself between CARE FREE MIDAS and SUPER FIGHTER and at this time MASTER DREAMER shifted away from the rail in an attempt to obtain clear running between FRONTIER and SUPER FIGHTER. He said for MASTER DREAMER to obtain clear running, that horse would have to make contact with SUPER FIGHTER and carry it wider. He said because of this he felt he would be disappointed for running between SUPER FIGHTER and CARE FREE MIDAS and therefore for a short distance did not continue to ride towards that run. He said prior to the 200 Metres he shifted to the outside of SUPER FIGHTER and commenced to ride into running on the outside of that horse, however, after the 200 Metres was momentarily awkwardly placed between CARE FREE MIDAS and SUPER FIGHTER which at this time was carried wider by MASTER DREAMER. In the circumstances, S Dye was told he must ensure he avails himself of any opportunity to improve his position, particularly at vital stages of a race. TREASURE RAIDERS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of TREASURE RAIDERS after the race did not show any significant findings. MASTER DREAMER and FRONTIER were sent for sampling.