15/01/2014  Happy Valley  Race 1

GOLD FORTUNE blundered at the start. MR MARFACH was slow to begin. WEALTH PARK was crowded for room shortly after the start between KENSWORTH KID and MOBILE KING which shifted in. Shortly after the start, HUMONGUS shifted out and bumped LOTUS LOVE. Z Purton (MOBILE KING) 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 MIZZEN GREY, causing that horse to be checked when crowded for room outside HUMONGUS. Z Purton was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 6 February 2014 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, 26 January 2014. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Z Purton’s race riding record and the fact that he had had in excess of 150 race rides this season without being charged with a breach of the careless riding rule. Near the 700 Metres, MOBILE KING raced tight when attempting to improve into tight running between DARK SECRET, which was racing wide, and MIZZEN GREY. A short distance later, MOBILE KING was momentarily steadied when disappointed for running between DARK SECRET and MIZZEN GREY which shifted out. At the entrance to the Straight, GOLD FORTUNE was steadied away from the heels of MR MARFACH which shifted out. Passing the 50 Metres, SUPERKING DRAGON shifted out and bumped WEALTH PARK. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that as it was anticipated that tonight’s race would be run at an average tempo due to a lack of natural speed in the race, it was felt that JOLLY GOOD, which had been racing disappointingly, may be able to take up a forward position. He said it was explained to him that some seasons ago JOLLY GOOD had performed well when ridden in a more forward position than had been the case of late and due to the anticipated lack of speed in tonight’s race, it was hoped that the horse may be able to perform better were it to be ridden prominently. He added after having to ride JOLLY GOOD along in the early stages, he was able to cross runners to his inside to race just off the leader WEALTH PARK and after this JOLLY GOOD travelled well until near the 500 Metres at which point the horse commenced to give ground. N Pinna, the rider of the 6th placegetter, MR MARFACH, was advised that he was given the benefit of the doubt as to whether his riding out of the concluding stages had fallen short of what is expected. He was reminded that he had already been penalized on one occasion this season for failing to ride his mount out to the satisfaction of the Stewards. He was told that he must at all times ensure that he rides his mounts out so as to leave no room for query. A veterinary inspection of MOBILE KING and DARK SECRET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MOBILE KING, SUPERKING DRAGON and WEALTH PARK were sent for sampling.