02/11/2008  Shatin  Race 5

SUPER SURPRISE was slow to begin. SUPREME DRAGON began awkwardly. At the 1300 Metres, PERFECT MATCH was steadied when crowded for room inside LOHAN which shifted in when awkwardly placed inside the heels of KA KA SMART which at this time despite being ridden along failed to maintain its position and shifted in slightly. In the circumstances, no action was taken. After the 1200 Metres, BULB TREASURE became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of CITY SURFER (C K Tong) which was being steadied when shifting across to the lead. C K Tong was severely reprimanded and told to ensure he does not unreasonably steady the tempo of races when crossing to the lead. Also after the 1200 Metres, SUPER SURPRISE was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of PERFECT MATCH and tight inside MEGA BULLET. For the major part of the race, KA KA SMART travelled wide and without cover and making the turn at the 800 Metres bumped with LOHAN. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, BULB TREASURE, which was proving difficult to settle, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of CITY SURFER which again steadied the tempo of the race slightly. C K Tong was told to exercise greater care. At the 700 Metres, EVER KING became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of WONG'S SUCCESS. Also at the 700 Metres, NASA PEARL was shifted out away from the heels of SUPER SURPRISE. K T Yeung (KEEN SPIRIT) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 500 Metres he shifted his mount out when not clear of PERFECT MATCH, causing that horse to lose its rightful running and be checked. K T Yeung was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 17 November 2008 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting next Tuesday 4 November 2008. In addition, K T Yeung was fined $10,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. Making the Home Turn and particularly after the 500 Metres, CITY SURFER commenced to give ground quickly. As a result of this, BULB TREASURE was severely inconvenienced and carried back through the field. Making the Home Turn, WONG'S SUCCESS was checked to avoid the heels of BULB TREASURE when being carried back through the field by CITY SURFER. Prior to straightening, EVER KING was checked and shifted out when crowded for room between SUPER SURPRISE and WONG'S SUCCESS which when being checked to avoid the heels of BULB TREASURE shifted out. In the Straight, MEGA BULLET hung in and after the 200 Metres shifted ground, causing some inconvenience to SUPREME DRAGON and KA KA SMART which was commencing to give ground. About 20 Metres from the winning post, PERFECT MATCH (D Whyte), which was inclined to get its head on the side and lay in, was momentarily steadied and shifted out when it improved close to the heels of MEGA BULLET. After this, PERFECT MATCH continued to lay in. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied the riding of D Whyte over the concluding stages did not affect the horse's finishing position and they also accepted the horse was laying in, he was nonetheless reminded of his responsibility to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. After passing the winning post, M Du Plessis (MEGA BULLET) reached out with his right hand and made contact with E Saint-Martin (SUPREME DRAGON). M Du Plessis was told he must refrain from such actions even after passing the winning post. D Beadman (EVER KING) explained after being checked prior to straightening he shifted his mount wider on the track and ensured it was properly balanced. He said he commenced riding EVER KING out with the whip at the 300 Metres and continued to do so until the end of the race. He said EVER KING continued to make ground in the run to the line and in his opinion closed the race off as strongly as it was able to. WONG'S SUCCESS, CITY SURFER and LOHAN were sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, CITY SURFER was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm and was distressed. Before being allowed to race again, CITY SURFER will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of WONG'S SUCCESS and LOHAN after the race did not show any significant findings. PERFECT MATCH, SUPREME DRAGON and MEGA BULLET were sent for sampling.