08/06/2008  Shatin  Race 9

THE GOODIES was slow to begin. On jumping, MAVERICK knuckled, then after the 1400 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. Prior to straightening, after being carried wider by TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND, ROCKET FORCE was steadied away from the heels of LUCKY MONEY. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in as they were of the opinion an incident occurred near the 300 Metres which cast doubt on whether ANKH MORPORK ought be declared the 2nd placegetter of the race. Consideration was given to a protest/objection lodged by Z Purton, the rider of ROCKET FORCE, 4th placegetter, against ANKH MORPORK (D Beadman) being declared the 2nd placegetter alleging interference near the 300 Metres. The evidence disclosed that near the 300 Metres ANKH MORPORK was shifted to the outside of FANTASTIC DANCER to obtain clear running and in doing so bumped ROCKET FORCE, causing that horse to become badly unbalanced, shift out and be checked away from the heels of LUCKY MONEY. As the Stewards considered that had the interference which clearly did take place not occurred, ROCKET FORCE would have finished in front of ANKH MORPORK at the end of the race, therefore the protest/objection was sustained and accordingly ANKH MORPORK was placed immediately behind ROCKET FORCE. The amended placings became No. 10, TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND, 1st; No. 9, THE GOODIES, 2nd; No. 7, ROCKET FORCE, 3rd; and No. 3, ANKH MORPORK, 4th. At a subsequent inquiry, D Beadman was found guilty of a charge of careless riding. D Beadman was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 23 June 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 on Sunday 15 June 2008. In addition, D Beadman was fined $40,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. When ROCKET FORCE checked, some inconvenience was caused to FLORAL NIRVANA. Over the concluding stages, ROCKET FORCE, which was closing the race off strongly, was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of ANKH MORPORK. F Coetzee (RIGHT FRAAR) explained he was instructed to allow the horse to travel where it was comfortable in the early stages and then endeavour to commence improving its position from the 800 Metres. He said he did not ride RIGHT FRAAR along in the early stages and allowed the horse to travel comfortably behind midfield. He said approaching the turn at the 800 Metres THE GOODIES commenced to improve its position on his outside. He said he did not believe it was in his mount’s best interest at this time to shift out to a four wide position and as such he remained racing three wide behind WARM EMBRACES. He said near the 700 Metres he commenced to ride RIGHT FRAAR along, however, the horse responded only fairly to his riding. He said in the Straight he placed RIGHT FRAAR under pressure, the horse did not initially respond, however, over the concluding stages commenced to make some ground. When questioned regarding the improved performance of TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND, Trainer C S Shum explained two starts ago the horse performed well. He said at its last race start when ridden by a senior jockey it was required to carry a heavier weight and in his opinion the horse performed reasonably. He said today again carrying a light weight TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND from a more favourable barrier was able to take up a prominent position in a slowly run race. He said in his opinion today’s track suited horses ridden in a forward position. He added TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND also appeared to enjoy the give in today’s track surface. ROCKET FORCE, TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND and THE GOODIES were sent for sampling.