23/02/2011  Happy Valley  Race 5

Shortly after the start, CHEERFUL DELIGHTS was steadied away from the heels of GILDED FLIGHT which shifted in. Despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, SUPER GENKI became detached from the field. Near the 1300 Metres, MAKE IT shifted out when checked away from the heels of AMAZING FORTUNE. Near the 1200 Metres, CLASSIC BOY became unbalanced and lost ground when crowded for room inside LINKED WIN (Apprentice M L Yeung) which, when being shifted in behind GILDED FLIGHT, became awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse and shifted in further. ELECTRONIC MASTER, which was following CLASSIC BOY, was hampered in consequence. Apprentice Yeung was severely reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he must ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside and makes every effort to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. W M Lai (GILDED FLIGHT) 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 PAPAS, causing that horse to be steadied away from the heels of GILDED FLIGHT and shifted out, resulting in LINKED WIN being crowded out onto CHEERFUL DELIGHTS which in turn was taken across the rightful running of TOY STORY, causing TOY STORY to be hampered and LINKED WIN and CHEERFUL DELIGHTS to be crowded for room and also to be hampered. W M Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 7 March 2011 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, 27 February 2011. In addition, W M Lai was fined $30,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 2 further racedays. When closing off the race strongly, SUPER GENKI raced in restricted room between ELECTRONIC MASTER and CHINA DRAGON for some distance passing the 200 Metres. Over the concluding stages, CHINA DRAGON was steadied away from the heels of GILDED FLIGHT. For the majority of the race, TOY STORY travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of LINKED WIN after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of LINKED WIN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LINKED WIN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of CHINA DRAGON and TOY STORY after the race did not show any significant findings. CLASSIC BOY, MINGS’ HERO and CHEERFUL DELIGHTS were sent for sampling. <24/2/2011 Additional Veterinary Report> LINKED WIN, which performed poorly, was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison. He said at that time there were no significant findings. LINKED WIN was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A Lee this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg and have sustained a wound to the right front tendon. As previously advised, LINKED WIN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.