28/12/2008  Shatin  Race 3

CHATER DE LAGO began awkwardly. JOYFUL YEARS was slow to begin and then lost further ground when bumped by JOY TRUMPS which began awkwardly and shifted in. OLYMPICSHIP was slow into stride. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, LUCKY MONEY STAR failed to muster speed. In the early and middle stages, OLYMPICSHIP travelled wide and without cover. Making the first turn, JOLLY WONGCHOY shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of MEGA BULLET which as a result became unbalanced. Shortly after this, JOLLY WONGCHOY was not able to maintain its position between MEGA BULLET and OLYMPICSHIP which shifted in slightly. Near the 1200 Metres, CHATER DE LAGO and NAMJONG GOOLUCK were steadied away from the heels of LUCKY MONEY STAR. At the 900 Metres, SPEED FIGHTER was carried wider by ALICE TOO which shifted out after being crossed by HONEST TREASURE. E Saint-Martin (CHATER DE LAGO) was found guilty of a charge of improper riding [Rule 100(1)] in that in the vicinity of the 800 Metres he extended his left arm away from his body and made contact with the midriff of P H Lo, the rider of STORM'S DESTINY, causing P H Lo to become badly unbalanced on his mount. In the circumstances of this case and having in mind E Saint-Martin's prior record in relation to this charge, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was that his licence to ride in races be suspended until Monday 23 February 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (16 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of this suspension is with immediate effect. P H Lo (STORM'S DESTINY) pleaded guilty to a charge of improper riding [Rule 100(1)] in that in the vicinity of the 800 Metres he extended his right arm away from his body, resulting in his arm coming into contact with the neck of CHATER DE LAGO ridden by E Saint-Martin. In the circumstances of this case, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was that P H Lo's licence to ride in races be suspended until Sunday 25 January 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (8 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of this suspension is with immediate effect. Making the turn at the 700 Metres, JOYFUL YEARS was steadied away from the heels of JOLLY WONGCHOY which got its head on the side, hung in and was steadied away from the heels of JOY TRUMPS. After the 600 Metres, JOYFUL YEARS was again steadied away from the heels of JOLLY WONGCHOY. At the 500 Metres, LUCKY MONEY STAR was bumped and carried wider by JOY TRUMPS (O Doleuze) which at this time shifted to the outside of MEGA BULLET to go forward. O Doleuze was reprimanded and told to exercise greater care when shifting ground. Prior to straightening, JOY TRUMPS was steadied when disappointed for running between MEGA BULLET and LUCKY MONEY STAR. On straightening, STORM’S DESTINY became unbalanced behind and shifted in after being bumped on the hindquarters by CHATER DE LAGO. When STORM’S DESTINY shifted in, it then bumped CHATER DE LAGO. For some distance after straightening, ALICE TOO was held up and unable to obtain clear running. In the early part of the Straight, FANTASTIC DANCER had some difficulty obtaining clear running. At the 350 Metres, JOYFUL YEARS was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of FANTASTIC DANCER to continue going forward. When questioned regarding the poor performance of JOLLY WONGCHOY, Y T Cheng said he had been instructed if his mount began well and was able to lead, he should do so, however, if JOLLY WONGCHOY did not show sufficient speed, he should allow it to travel where it was comfortable. He said JOLLY WONGCHOY began fairly, then did not muster speed and shortly after the start was crossed by ALICE TOO. He said when this occurred, he allowed JOLLY WONGCHOY to travel where it was comfortable which was in a midfield position. He said JOLLY WONGCHOY did not travel as it had when he had ridden the horse in the past and he was required to make some use of the horse throughout the race to hold its position. He said as a consequence JOLLY WONGCHOY did not respond when placed under pressure after straightening. He was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of the horse. JOLLY WONGCHOY was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of JOLLY WONGCHOY after the race did not show any significant findings. In the circumstances, the performance of JOLLY WONGCHOY was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, JOLLY WONGCHOY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LUCKY MONEY STAR was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY MONEY STAR after the race did not show any significant findings. ALICE TOO and OLYMPICSHIP were sent for sampling.