03/12/2008  Happy Valley  Race 5

STEEL NERVES began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped FOREVER RICHES. STORM'S DESTINY was slow into stride. On jumping, ROYAL PORTRAIT was crowded for room between SPEEDY WARRIOR and SWEET BABY, both of which shifted ground. Shortly after the start, NAMJONG GOODLUCK was steadied when crowded for room between SPEEDY WARRIOR and JOHNSON which after beginning awkwardly shifted in. H W Lai (ROYAL PORTRAIT) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the winning post on the first occasion he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of SWEET BABY, causing that horse which had been racing tight to the outside of FOREVER RICHES to be carried in further and caused additional crowding to FOREVER RICHES, resulting in that horse losing its rightful running and being checked. H W Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 15 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 next Saturday 6 December 2008. At the 1100 Metres, STORM'S DESTINY got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of FOREVER RICHES. Approaching the 600 Metres, STEEL NERVES was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of KINGSTON WINNER. On straightening, JOHNSON became unbalanced when crowded for room between STORM'S DESTINY and NAMJONG GOODLUCK which shifted out. Near the 200 Metres, FOREVER RICHES was bumped and carried wider by BRILLIANT FLASH which shifted out. For some distance after the 100 Metres, KINGSTON WINNER had difficulty obtaining clear running. Just prior to the winning post, MYTHIC STEED was steadied when crowded for room between SWEET BABY and KINGSTON WINNER which shifted out. C K Tong (KINGSTON WINNER) explained he had been instructed to go forward in the early stages, cross to the rail, then if possible allow runners to cross and obtain a position with cover. He said in accordance with those instructions after beginning well he allowed KINGSTON WINNER to cross to the fence, then approaching the winning post on the first occasion did not ride along to maintain the lead, but rather allowed SPEEDY WARRIOR to cross and provide him with cover. He said at the time he made his decision he was unaware that SPIRIT OF LO PAN which was travelling wide on the track was being ridden in a manner to go forward. He said he felt if he obtained a position behind SPEEDY WARRIOR, he would then be following the lead as instructed. He said SPIRIT OF LO PAN continued going forward and crossed to the lead entering the Back Straight and consequently he ended up travelling slightly further back than intended. SPEEDY WARRIOR and SPIRIT OF LO PAN were sent for sampling.