23/01/2008  Happy Valley  Race 3

On jumping, DENDRANTHEMA LOVE was crowded for room between SIMPLY THE BEST and HURRICANE WAY, both of which shifted ground. Making the first turn, WINNING PATTERN was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of MASTER YING (O Doleuze) which shifted in when not properly clear. O Doleuze was reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. At the 1500 Metres, DONGGUAN VICTORY was bumped by HURRICANE WAY which shifted in. Passing the 1200 Metres, FABULOUS TREASURE proved difficult to settle, got its head up and shifted to the outside of PLEASURE PLEASURE. As a consequence of this, STRIKE TO WIN was carried into a three wide position without cover. Making the turn at the 1000 Metres, DONGGUAN VICTORY became unbalanced when awkwardly placed inside CENAMIRA. For the majority of the race, SIMPLY THE BEST travelled wide and without cover and making the turn at the 1000 Metres hung out. On straightening, WINNING PATTERN became unbalanced behind when bumped on its hindquarters by MASTER YING which itself became unbalanced when racing tight inside WINNING PATTERN. After the 300 Metres, RAMPANT LION had difficulty obtaining clear running inside MASTER YING which shifted in while hanging. M Nunes (WINNING PATTERN) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of MASTER YING, causing that horse to lose its rightful running and be checked. M Nunes was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday 3 February 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 27 January 2008. In addition, M Nunes was fined $20,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. For a short distance after the 100 Metres, WINNING PATTERN and RAMPANT LION raced tight. Over the concluding stages, DONGGUAN VICTORY hung out. E Saint-Martin (STARFINDER) explained his mount began awkwardly, then at no stage of the race felt comfortable in its action. He said along the Back Straight when he was racing at the rear and he felt STARFINDER was properly balanced, he endeavoured to make ground on the field, however, STARFINDER did not respond to his riding. STARFINDER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of STARFINDER after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of STARFINDER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, STARFINDER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. STRIKE TO WIN was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of STRIKE TO WIN after the race did not show any significant findings. DONGGUAN VICTORY and RAMPANT LION were sent for sampling.