10/05/2014  Shatin  Race 10

NOBLE DE MAN and ENTHUSIASM were crowded for room at the start between TABLEAUX and ETON BLITZ which shifted out. RACING HERO, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, lifted its feet in the air as the start was effected and shortly after the start was hampered when crowded for room between SICHUAN VIGOUR and HELENE SUPER STAR which was crowded for room inside DR GOOD HABIT. KABAYAN was inconvenienced and TRAVEL BROTHER checked when crowded for room by MR GNOCCHI which shifted in abruptly at the start despite the efforts of its rider. From the outside barrier, SANTA FE SUN was taken across behind runners in the early stages. LET ME HANDLE IT lost its right front plate near the 1500 Metres. T H So (DR GOOD HABIT) 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 SICHUAN VIGOUR, causing that horse to be checked away from the heels of DR GOOD HABIT. T H So was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 2 June 2014 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 21 May 2014. After the 1400 Metres, RACING HERO momentarily raced tight between TABLEAUX which shifted out away from the heels of NOBLE DE MAN and MR GNOCCHI which shifted in. Approaching the 600 Metres, KABAYAN and LET ME HANDLE IT raced tight as KABAYAN attempted to shift out into clear running. Rounding the Home Turn, TRAVEL BROTHER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TABLEAUX when attempting to improve into tight running inside that horse which was racing tight inside RACING HERO. Near the 350 Metres, ENTHUSIASM was steadied when attempting to improve between DR GOOD HABIT and SICHUAN VIGOUR where there was insufficient room. In this incident, SICHUAN VIGOUR became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by ENTHUSIASM. ENTHUSIASM then had difficulty obtaining clear running until passing the 300 Metres and at the 200 Metres was momentarily crowded for room inside DR GOOD HABIT which shifted in when being corrected after initially shifting out towards SICHUAN VIGOUR. Passing the 200 Metres, TRAVEL BROTHER was shifted out away from the heels of SICHUAN VIGOUR. Throughout the race, MR GNOCCHI travelled wide and without cover. The performance of NOBLE DE MAN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, NOBLE DE MAN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, D Whyte reported that SANTA FE SUN raced liked a tired horse. Mr P O’Sullivan, the trainer of SANTA FE SUN, advised the Stewards that at this time it is his intention to recommend to the owners that SANTA FE SUN be spelled. A veterinary inspection SANTA FE SUN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of KABAYAN, T Berry stated that it had been hoped that KABAYAN may be able to obtain a position in about midfield with cover, however, after having to be steadied away from the heels of MR GNOCCHI shortly after the start KABAYAN settled further back in the field than had been hoped. He said KABAYAN travelled fairly in the middle stages and after being able to shift LET ME HANDLE IT out after the 700 Metres, KABAYAN was not able to maintain its position to the outside of SMILING WATCH despite being ridden along. He added he placed KABAYAN under considerable pressure after this, however, the horse did not finish off the race as anticipated. He said he believes that KABAYAN is best suited by not having interruptions during a race which was not the case today. A veterinary inspection of KABAYAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MR GNOCCHI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. KABAYAN, ENTHUSIASM and TRAVEL BROTHER were sent for sampling.