16/11/2008  Shatin  Race 5

CRUSH ON YOU and HOLIGAN were slow to begin. PERFECT MATCH began awkwardly. Approaching the 1800 Metres, CLASSIC KING, which was racing keenly, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of ZEPHYRUS. Near the 1800 Metres, HOLIGAN and SAMBUOYANT were checked as SAMBUOYANT improved its position to the inside of BROWN BEAUTY which at this time was being shifted to the inside of PERFECT MATCH as that horse shifted in slightly when being steadied away from the heels of CLASSIC KING which was over-racing and was checked to avoid the heels of ZEPHYRUS. In the circumstances, no action was taken. At the 1700 Metres, BROWN BEAUTY was checked when crowded for room inside PERFECT MATCH (D Whyte) which shifted in further when being steadied away from the heels of CLASSIC KING which continued to be checked away from the heels of ZEPHYRUS. In the circumstances, no action was taken, however, D Whyte was told to ensure he does his utmost at all times to protect his fellow riders. Approaching the 1400 Metres, ZEPHYRUS, which was racing keenly, was awkwardly placed inside the heels of ELECTRONICS SPUR. Z Purton (SAMBUOYANT) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1100 Metres he shifted his mount out when not clear of CRUSH ON YOU, causing that horse to be hampered and carried unnecessarily wider on the track and as a result losing running to which it was rightfully entitled. Z Purton was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 1 December 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 23 November 2008. After the 800 Metres, HAPPY ALL AROUND became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of BROWN BEAUTY. After the 200 Metres, CLASSIC KING and HAPPY ALL AROUND bumped. Also after the 200 Metres, CRUSH ON YOU, which was closing the race off strongly, was shifted to the inside of ELECTRONICS SPUR and then bumped with that horse when improving to its inside after being carried out by KEEN SPIRIT. Over the concluding stages, PERFECT MATCH hung in. For the major part of the race, MEATH travelled wide and without cover. K L Chui (HAPPY ALL AROUND) explained he had been instructed by Mr A S Cruz, trainer of the horse, that HAPPY ALL AROUND would be best suited ridden in a midfield or slightly worse position. He said Mr Cruz had said in his opinion HAPPY ALL AROUND would be required to have too much use made of it from a wide barrier to cross into a forward position to avoid being caught wide without cover. ELECTRONICS SPUR was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of ELECTRONICS SPUR after the race did not show any significant findings. PERFECT MATCH and ZEPHYRUS were sent for sampling.