14/12/2008  Shatin  Race 10

SWIFT STRIKE stood flat-footed as the gates opened and as a consequence lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, SWIFT STRIKE will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. UNIQUE JEWELLERY began awkwardly. GALLANT CHAMPION and KINGS FALCON bumped at the start. Shortly after the start, JADE DRAGONFLY blundered after being crowded for room between HURRICANE DASH and SILVER SUN (P H Lo) which shifted in on jumping. P H Lo will be severely reprimanded for failing to make sufficient effort to relieve the tightening to JADE DRAGONFLY. In the early stages, HURRICANE DASH got its head up on a number of occasions and proved difficult to settle. Near the 900 Metres, HURRICANE DASH, which was continuing to prove difficult to settle, became unbalanced when crowded for room between SILVER SUN which shifted in and THUMBS UP which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of UNIQUE JEWELLERY. Making the Home Turn, LU YUE hung out. In the early part of the Straight, UNIQUE JEWELLERY had some difficulty obtaining clear running and near the 200 Metres was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of KINGS FALCON which shifted out. In the early part of the Straight, THUMBS UP had difficulty obtaining clear running. C W Wong (LU YUE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of THUMBS UP, resulting in that horse losing its rightful running and being checked. C W Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Friday 2 January 2009 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 Saturday 20 December 2008. In addition, C W Wong was fined $10,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. In the Straight, INTERCHINA STAR hung in and passing the 200 Metres was steadied when crowded for room between VIGOR DELIGHT which shifted out and DANESIS which was taken in slightly by UNIQUE JEWELLERY. INTERCHINA STAR then had difficulty obtaining clear running for the remainder of the race. Throughout the race, FULL OF JOY travelled wide and without cover. O Doleuze (VIGOR DELIGHT) said the intention had been to have the horse which had drawn more favourably ridden in front of midfield with cover if possible. He said VIGOR DELIGHT began well, immediately travelled into the bridle and as a consequence travelled further forward than anticipated. FULL OF JOY and UNIQUE JEWELLERY were sent for sampling.