16/11/2008  Shatin  Race 4

STORM'S DESTINY began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of STEEL NERVES. From a wide barrier, MEGA BULLET was taken back. From a wide barrier, SUPER BOBO was initially taken back and in the early stages travelled wide and without cover and approaching the turn at the 800 Metres was taken back to a rearward position. Rounding the Home Turn, SUPREME COMMANDER was hampered and carried wider by KING OF SHAVER which was endeavouring to shift to the outside of WIN MORE to obtain clear running. Near the 200 Metres, MAJESTIC HEART was checked when improving into a narrow run on the inside of KING OF SHAVER (Apprentice M L Yeung) which had been hanging in and at this time shifted ground when not clear of MAJESTIC HEART. In the circumstances, Apprentice Yeung was severely reprimanded and told he should ensure he at all times does his utmost to protect his fellow riders. At the 100 Metres, JOLLY BIRD, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied to avoid the heels of MEGA BULLET which shifted in. For the major part of the Home Straight, CLASSIC ENERGY had difficulty obtaining clear running and because of this was not tested. Also for the major part of the Home Straight, MAJESTIC HEART did not obtain clear running and because of this was not tested. The declaration of weighed-in was deferred after the Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales that F Coetzee, the rider of VILLAGE KID, placed 3rd, could not draw the horse’s correct weight of 126 lbs. The Stewards believed the matter should be formally considered at a protest/objection hearing in accordance with provisions of Rule 117(2). Evidence was taken from F Coetzee and Mr C H Yip, trainer of VILLAGE KID, both of whom accepted that F Coetzee had weighed out to ride VILLAGE KID at 126 lbs and weighed in following the race at 124.9 lbs. Rule 113(3) says that if a jockey cannot draw the correct weight, he shall be allowed one pound. If he cannot then draw the weight, his horse shall on a sustained protest/objection be disqualified for the race. The Stewards sustained the protest/objection and acting under the provisions of this Rule disqualified VILLAGE KID from 3rd placing. The amended placings became No. 11, MEGA BULLET, 1st; No. 10, SUPREME COMMANDER, 2nd; No. 14, WIN MORE, 3rd; and No. 3, SPIRIT OF LO PAN, 4th. At a subsequent inquiry, F Coetzee pleaded guilty to a breach of Rule 113(3) in that following the race he failed to draw the correct weight on VILLAGE KID. He explained that after weighing out he had used the bathroom and in addition had changed his breeches which were damp. He added that all the gear he had weighed out with was present at scale when he weighed in. For this breach, F Coetzee’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to expire on Thursday 11 December 2008 on which day he may resume race riding (5 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday 23 November 2008. When questioned, D Beadman (JOLLY BIRD) explained he had been instructed from a wide barrier to ride his mount quietly in the early stages in an endeavour to obtain a position with cover. He said in accordance with those instructions after beginning well he allowed JOLLY BIRD to come back in the hope of finding a position around midfield. He said it soon became apparent to him that he would be left racing in a position wide on the track and he therefore allowed his mount to travel behind midfield. He said in the early stages JOLLY BIRD raced keenly, however, relaxed approaching the turn at the 800 Metres. He said due to the moderate tempo of the race he commenced to improve his position shortly after the 600 Metres. He said in the early part of the Straight JOLLY BIRD responded to his riding, however, over the final 200 Metres its run had ended and the horse commenced to give ground. G Mossé (SPIRIT OF LO PAN) explained he had been instructed to ride the horse where it was comfortable which was anticipated to be in front of midfield. He said he rode SPIRIT OF LO PAN along in the early stages and then allowed the horse to travel into a position in front of midfield. He said however SPIRIT OF LO PAN was not able to obtain a position with cover throughout the race. He said as SPIRIT OF LO PAN is one-paced, he commenced riding his mount along prior to straightening. He said SPIRIT OF LO PAN kept on one-paced in the Straight. MAJESTIC HEART, MEGA BULLET and SUPREME COMMANDER were sent for sampling. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on WIN MORE at the request of Trainer C W Chang. The Veterinary Officer said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, WIN MORE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.