09/03/2008  Shatin  Race 6

SUNNY RIVIERA began awkwardly and lost ground. UNDERDOG began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped MINGS’ HERO. CHINA LUJIA and STEEL NERVES bumped at the start. NATURAL FATCHOY knuckled over on jumping. In the early stages, JADE DANCER, which was racing with blinkers re-applied, proved difficult to settle despite the efforts of its rider. Passing the 1200 Metres, STEEL NERVES was momentarily crowded for room inside ACCELERATOR which got its head on the side and shifted in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ACTIVE VALOUR. For some distance after this, ACCELERATOR proved difficult to settle when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ACTIVE VALOUR. Near the 700 Metres, MOUNT SURPLUS and SUDDEN SPLENDOR bumped on a number of occasions, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. Rounding the Home Turn, STEEL NERVES was momentarily crowded for room and unable to improve when racing tight inside MINGS’ HERO. Also rounding the Home Turn, SUDDEN SPLENDOR was inconvenienced when MOUNT SURPLUS shifted out. C K Tong (MOUNT SURPLUS) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 250 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of UNDERDOG, causing that horse to lose its rightful running, be checked, strike the heels of MOUNT SURPLUS and blunder. This resulted in E Wilson, the rider of UNDERDOG, being dislodged. C K Tong was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday 10 April 2008 on which day he may resume race riding (6 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting next Sunday 16 March 2008. Over the concluding stages, ACTIVE VALOUR hung out. Throughout the race, SUDDEN SPLENDOR travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of SUDDEN SPLENDOR, which tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUDDEN SPLENDOR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUDDEN SPLENDOR and NATURAL FATCHOY were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SUDDEN SPLENDOR and NATURAL FATCHOY after the race did not show any significant findings. MINGS’ HERO and STEEL NERVES were sent for sampling.