20/12/2008  Shatin  Race 8

In the early stages, PRESTO was taken back. For some distance approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, ROMA PEGASUS proved difficult to settle and threw its head in the air. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, TIBER was left racing wide and without cover. K L Chui (POT OF GOLD) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 800 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of EXPRESS WIN, resulting in that horse being checked and GOODY which was following EXPRESS WIN to be severely checked. K L Chui 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). This suspension is with immediate effect. In addition, K L Chui was fined $10,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. When GOODY checked, HORACE'S CHOICE, which was following, was checked and shifted out to avoid the heels of that horse, resulting in GRAND CRU being taken out onto GALEN WIN which was checked across the heels of TIBER. PRESTO, which was following HORACE’S CHOICE, was shifted wider on the track and in doing so took UNWRITTEN RULE wider. Passing the 700 Metres, GOODY got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of EXPRESS WIN which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of POT OF GOLD. At the same time, HORACE’S CHOICE was checked away from the heels of ROMA PEGASUS. POT OF GOLD hung out making the Home Turn and in the Straight. At the 400 Metres, ROMA PEGASUS shifted out and bumped TIBER. HORACE’S CHOICE and GOODY had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 200 Metres, GALEN WIN became unbalanced when crowded for room between PRESTO and TIBER which shifted out. For some distance approaching the 200 Metres, SURVEY SURVEY had difficulty obtaining clear running and passing the 200 Metres shifted to the outside of PRESTO to improve. Near the 150 Metres, GALEN WIN was briefly steadied away from the heels of PRESTO which shifted in. Throughout the race, TIBER travelled wide and without cover. PRESTO, O'REILLY RALLY and EXPRESS WIN were sent for sampling.