16/01/2008  Happy Valley  Race 5

After arriving at the Start, it was noted SWEET BABY had lost its right front plate. This plate was reset. The horse was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. SWEET BABY, CENTENNIAL SMILE and KINGSTON TEMPLE were slow to begin. MEATH shifted out at the start, resulting in CITY SURFER being crowded for room inside HARRY HARRY. Near the 1600 Metres, CITY SURFER was crowded for room inside HARRY HARRY which after initially shifting in and away from VINCERE (D Beadman) of its own accord was taken in slightly by that horse which shifted in when not clear. D Beadman was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in future. Apprentice C W Wong reported after this incident the saddle shifted forward on CITY SURFER, placing him at a significant disadvantage for the remainder of the race. After this, CITY SURFER was allowed to stride forward and raced wide on the track. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, HAPPY ALL AROUND was hampered and steadied when crowded for room inside LIMONCELLO which was taken in by MEATH which in turn was taken in by VINCERE which shifted in when not clear. D Beadman was severely reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in future. Approaching the 1200 Metres, KINGSTON TEMPLE got its head up. For the major part of the race, MEATH travelled wide and without cover. Near the 500 Metres, CENTENNIAL SMILE became unbalanced when close to the heels of KINGSTON TEMPLE. For some distance after this, CENTENNIAL SMILE raced tight between HARRY HARRY and SWEET BABY which was shifting out. At the entrance to the Straight, CENTENNIAL SMILE was shifted to the outside of the heels of HARRY HARRY into clear running. Approaching the 200 Metres, CHEERFUL HEART was shifted to the outside of MEATH into clear running and in doing so made contact with KINGSTON TEMPLE on two occasions, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. W M Lai pleaded guilty to a charge under Hong Kong Rule of Racing 100(2) in that he failed to ride KINGSTON TEMPLE out to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stewards. For this breach, W M Lai’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to expire on Sunday 10 February 2008 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday 27 January 2008. CENTENNIAL SMILE was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. LIMONCELLO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of CENTENNIAL SMILE and LIMONCELLO after the race did not show any significant findings. SWEET BABY and CHEERFUL HEART were sent for sampling.