23/01/2008  Happy Valley  Race 5

On jumping, MARVELLOUS was checked when crowded for room between STRIKING MASCOT and MIRACULOUS, both of which shifted ground. In this incident, STRIKING MASCOT also lost ground. From a wide barrier, SOHNA was taken back. In the early stages, after being wide, WONDERFUL BLESSING was steadied back from a midfield position to obtain cover and after passing the winning post on the first occasion shifted in and bumped EMBRACES. In the early and middle stages, EMBRACES proved difficult to settle. After entering the Back Straight, MONTY proved difficult to settle. M Nunes (MONTY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 600 Metres he shifted his mount out from behind THAT'S IT when not clear of MARVELLOUS, causing that horse to be hampered, bumped and carried away from the running to which it was rightfully entitled. In the circumstances of this case, the Stewards considered it was appropriate to suspend M Nunes’ licence to ride in races for a period to expire on Thursday 14 February 2008 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension is to commence on Sunday 3 February 2008 on which day M Nunes was eligible to resume race riding following a suspension incurred earlier in tonight’s race meeting. In addition, M Nunes was fined $20,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. An inquiry into the reason for BRILLIANT FLASH being checked and MONTY being hampered rounding the Home Turn was adjourned until prior to the first race at Sha Tin next Sunday 27 January 2008. THAT'S IT made the Home Turn awkwardly and was steadied away from the heels of BATURO. MONTY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MONTY after the race did not show any significant findings. MARVELLOUS, BRILLIANT FLASH and STRIKING MASCOT were sent for sampling.