08/02/2009  Shatin  Race 9

CRYSTAL was withdrawn on 5.2.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). As previously advised, CRYSTAL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. When the gates opened, THE GOODIES stood flat-footed and lost a considerable amount of ground. Apprentice M L Yeung (SAFETY FIRST) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1400 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of RICH DRAGON, causing that horse to be carried in which in turn caused LOCAL POWER to be carried in across the rightful running of MAVERICK and SUPERNOVA, both of which were checked. Apprentice Yeung was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 2 March 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension shall commence on Thursday 19 February 2009 on which day Apprentice Yeung was due to resume race riding from a suspension incurred at the Happy Valley racemeeting last Wednesday. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, JADE DRAGONFLY was steadied away from the heels of RICH DRAGON. When questioned regarding the improved performance of LOCAL POWER, Trainer C H Yip said from a more favourable barrier today the horse was able to obtain a position with cover. He said at the horse’s most recent start it failed to muster speed in the early stages and from a wide draw then travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. He did say in his opinion today’s race was weaker than that of LOCAL POWER when it was well beaten in its most recent start. After the race, B Prebble (SUPERNOVA) reported his mount was not striding out as he thought it should and felt short in its action. SUPERNOVA was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SUPERNOVA after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, SUPERNOVA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JADE DRAGONFLY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of JADE DRAGONFLY after the race did not show any significant findings. ENDLESS LUCK, LOCAL POWER and SAFETY FIRST were sent for sampling.