10/01/2009  Shatin  Race 7

O'REILLY RALLY got its head up on jumping, then despite being ridden along took time to muster. PRESTO was slow into stride. At the 1300 Metres, PRESTO was steadied away from the heels of WHATABOB which was carried in slightly by O'REILLY RALLY (M Chadwick). M Chadwick was told to exercise care. D Whyte (PRESTO) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1200 Metres after steadying his mount away from the heels of WHATABOB, he shifted his mount out when not clear of FERRO BEAU, causing that horse to strike the heels of PRESTO and blunder. D Whyte was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday 25 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 Sunday 18 January 2009. In the early stages, ONE WORLD proved difficult to settle and after the 1200 Metres got its head up and commenced to race fiercely. SURVEY SURVEY made the turn at the 800 Metres awkwardly, shifted out and was steadied away from the heels of WHATABOB. From shortly after straightening until the 200 Metres, O’REILLY RALLY and SURVEY SURVEY had difficulty obtaining clear running. From the 350 Metres until the 200 Metres, FERRO BEAU had difficulty obtaining clear running. After the 200 Metres, WHATABOB, which was giving ground, was steadied when crowded for room between FERRO BEAU and SURVEY SURVEY which was awkwardly placed inside the heels of PRESTO which shifted in slightly. At the 150 Metres, HIGH MARK, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied when crowded for room between FERRO BEAU and O’REILLY RALLY which when improving its position was carried out slightly by GALEN WIN which was giving ground. No action was taken. In the Straight, POT OF GOLD hung in and proved difficult to ride. Throughout the race, GALEN WIN travelled wide and without cover. K L Chui (POT OF GOLD) explained he had been instructed to ride the horse in a midfield position with cover if possible. He said Mr A S Cruz, trainer of POT OF GOLD, explained to him that he was disappointed with the manner in which the horse finished its race off when being ridden in the lead at its most recent start. He said on jumping he took POT OF GOLD back in an endeavour to obtain a position as instructed, however, ONE WORLD obtained a midfield position, he therefore elected to take his mount back to ensure it raced with cover. He said as a consequence POT OF GOLD travelled slightly further back than intended. He said rounding the Home Turn a rider to his inside was calling for the relief of pressure. He said he looked to his inside on a number of occasions to ensure he was not causing interference to other runners. Mr Cruz confirmed the riding instructions issued and said he had been disappointed with the manner in which the horse closed its race off when ridden in the lead at its most recent start which was over the same course and distance. He said because of this he requested K L Chui to ride the horse quietly today in the hope that it would finish its race off. He said when ridden quietly today POT OF GOLD he believed showed a nice response early in the Straight, however, its run ended short of the line. He said because of this it is his intention if possible to now drop POT OF GOLD back in distance and to have it ridden in a similar manner as today. Mr Cruz was told his explanation would be reported. K L Chui was told whilst it is acceptable for riders to ensure they are not causing interference to others, he should avoid looking at other riders or runners for extended periods if possible. POT OF GOLD was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of POT OF GOLD after the race did not show any significant findings. ONE WORLD and PRESTO were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported O’REILLY RALLY had sustained a cut to the outside of the right front cannon.