24/02/2008  Shatin  Race 5

KA KA SMART was slow to begin and as a consequence travelled further back than is usual. Near the 1300 Metres, JOLLY WONGCHOY was steadied when awkwardly placed between AMAZING VENTURE and TRIUMPHANT ECHO. Near the 1000 Metres, SPIRIT OF LO PAN was left racing wide and without cover, then near the 600 Metres was carried wider by KEEN SPIRIT which shifted out. C Soumillon (SPIRIT OF LO PAN) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 200 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount from shifting in when not clear of KEEN SPIRIT, causing that horse to be carried in across the rightful running of EXPEDITIOUS which as a result was checked. The Stewards, having considered submissions put by C Soumillon in relation to penalty and in particular regarding the upcoming riding commitments he has in France, believed in the circumstances the appropriate penalty was for C Soumillon’s licence to ride in races to be suspended for a period to expire on Thursday 28 February 2008 on which day he may resume race riding (1 Hong Kong raceday). The commencement of the suspension is with immediate effect. In addition, C Soumillon was fined $80,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating two further racedays. When questioned regarding the poor performance of TRIUMPHANT ECHO, D Whyte said his mount failed to respond to his riding in the Home Straight. He said on pulling up TRIUMPHANT ECHO made a respiratory noise. TRIUMPHANT ECHO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of TRIUMPHANT ECHO after the race did not show any significant findings. FOREST FOUNTAIN and SPECIAL DRAGON were sent for sampling.