06/12/2008  Shatin  Race 6

PRECISION MAGIC was difficult to load, then after being boxed became fractious and was slow to begin. Before being allowed to race again, PRECISION MAGIC will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. In the early stages, CHINA HERO hung in. O Doleuze (HAPPY GO LUCKY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 1300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of SEA PRINCE, causing that horse to lose its rightful running and be checked. O Doleuze was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday 21 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 14 December 2008. In addition, O Doleuze was fined $40,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. On straightening, AMAZING VENTURE when endeavouring to shift to the outside of SEA PRINCE bumped with COOL RUNNINGS. Close to the finish, the whip of W M Lai (AMAZING VENTURE) became entangled in the left arm of D Beadman (SEA PRINCE). Throughout the race, COOL RUNNINGS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, M W Leung (SPLENDID SAILS) explained he had been instructed if his mount began well, he should position his mount in front of midfield, however, if it did not begin cleanly, he should endeavour to position it as close as possible to the rail and save ground. He said when the start was effected SPLENDID SAILS was standing with its head turned to the left, began only fairly and then was crowded for room between SEA PRINCE and GALLANT HUSSAR which shifted in. He said as a result of this SPLENDID SAILS was unable to gather momentum and he therefore elected to take his mount back and shift closer to the rail to avoid being caught racing wide. He said approaching the turn at the 800 Metres GALLANT HUSSAR was coming back from in front of him and shifting in and he therefore steadied his mount in the hope of obtaining a two wide position which he was only able to do momentarily. He said after this SPLENDID SAILS travelled comfortably in the run in a three wide position with cover, on straightening was shifted to the outside and initially responded to his riding. He said in his opinion the run of SPLENDID SAILS ended at the 100 Metres. Mr K L Man, trainer of SPLENDID SAILS, confirmed the riding instructions issued to M W Leung. B Doyle (SOHNA) explained on straightening he shifted his mount away from the rail to commence improving his position on the outside of FAIR WIN. He said shortly after he did this it appeared to him that FAIR WIN was going to shift out in front of him and he noticed clear running to the inside of that horse, so he shifted back towards the rail. He said as he did this FAIR WIN then shifted back in near the 300 Metres, resulting in him being disappointed for running and having to steady his mount. He said after this he shifted SOHNA out to go forward. Z Purton (PRECISION MAGIC) said he had been advised prior to the race that his mount became very agitated while being saddled. He said during the preliminary, while parading behind the barriers and after being boxed PRECISION MAGIC continued to be agitated. He said prior to its first race start PRECISION MAGIC was relaxed. He said PRECISION MAGIC was leaning against the inside of the stalls when the gates opened and as a consequence was slow to begin. He said he rode PRECISION MAGIC along to make up ground in the early stages, however, the horse continued to race behind midfield. He said for a considerable distance after the 800 Metres PRECISION MAGIC raced in restricted room between MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP and GALLANT HUSSAR, then when placed under pressure in the Straight did not respond to his riding. He said in his opinion the poor performance of PRECISION MAGIC could be explained by being upset prior to the race. FAIR WIN and PRECISION MAGIC were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FAIR WIN and PRECISION MAGIC after the race did not show any significant findings. AMAZING VENTURE and SEA PRINCE were sent for sampling.