10/01/2009  Shatin  Race 8

HIGH POINT and JOYFUL WINNER were slow to begin. KILDARE, which was standing with its head turned to the right, was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, DOWN TOWN and ALWAYS GIGGLE bumped. At the 700 Metres, KILDARE was steadied when awkwardly placed between ISLAND SPEED and YELLOW DIAMOND. For some distance approaching the 400 Metres, KILDARE was held up and unable to improve. After the 400 Metres, DOWN TOWN was unable to improve its position when awkwardly placed between NIGHTLIGN and INSPIRATION. After this, DOWN TOWN near the 300 Metres was held up and unable to improve. W M Lai (FRIENDLY GAINS) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of SUNNY POWER, causing that horse to be carried out across the rightful running of INSPIRATION which as a result was checked. W M Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday 5 February 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until Thursday 29 January 2009 on which day he had been eligible to resume race riding following a suspension from riding in races incurred in Race 4 today. In addition, W M Lai was fined $25,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. For some distance approaching and passing the 50 Metres, SUNNY POWER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FRIENDLY GAINS. Because of this, SUNNY POWER was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. Over the concluding stages, ENTHUSED hung out. J Victoire (DOWN TOWN) was reminded of his responsibility to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels right to the end of the race where circumstances permit. ISLAND SPEED was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, ISLAND SPEED was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm and had bled from both nostrils. Before being allowed to race again, ISLAND SPEED will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. KILDARE and ENTHUSED were sent for sampling.