12/11/2016  Shatin  Race 6

POMPADOUR was slow to begin. SOUTHERN EXPRESS began only fairly. SOARING WYVERN shifted out at the start and bumped GOLDIE FLANKER. Then from wide barriers, SOARING WYVERN, GOLDIE FLANKER and GOOD CHOICE AHEAD were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. REWARDING FLYER shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of KA YING KID. Passing the 1100 Metres and again near the 1050 Metres, SOUTHERN EXPRESS was awkwardly placed inside the heels of DOUBLE DOWN. DOUBLE DOWN was then shifted out to relieve the tightening to SOUTHERN EXPRESS, however, SOUTHERN EXPRESS continued to race greenly and shifted ground on a number of occasions of its own accord. KA YING KID, which was racing to the inside of SOUTHERN EXPRESS, was hampered in consequence. Passing the 1000 Metres, SOUTHERN EXPRESS was steadied away from the heels of DOUBLE DOWN which, when racing keenly, was steadied to allow PEARL WIN to cross. Approaching the 900 Metres, KA YING KID raced tight inside IMPERIAL SEAL after that horse was bumped by GOOD FOR YOU which was then shifted out to relieve the tightening. Apprentice K K Chiong (METALLIC STAR) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 900 Metres she permitted her mount to shift in when not clear of DOUBLE DOWN, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled and WINNING VIBE, which was racing inside DOUBLE DOWN, to be severely hampered. In the circumstances, the Stewards deemed it appropriate for Apprentice Chiong’s licence to ride in races to be suspended for a period to commence on Wednesday, 7 December 2016 and to expire on Monday, 12 December 2016 on which day she may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Apprentice Chiong was fined $12,500. After the 900 Metres, DOUBLE DOWN and GOOD FOR YOU were left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 600 Metres, SOUTHERN EXPRESS shifted out when continuing to race greenly and awkwardly placed close to the heels of WINNING VIBE. REWARDING FLYER had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. SOUTHERN EXPRESS was unable to obtain clear running in the early part of the Straight and approaching the 200 Metres attempted to improve between GOOD FOR YOU and DOUBLE DOWN where there was insufficient room, resulting in SOUTHERN EXPRESS bumping the hindquarters of GOOD FOR YOU. Then near the 150 Metres, SOUTHERN EXPRESS was steadied when disappointed for running between GOOD FOR YOU and DOUBLE DOWN (C Schofield) which shifted out. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that SOUTHERN EXPRESS had not properly established running between GOOD FOR YOU and DOUBLE DOWN at this time, C Schofield was advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. Passing the 150 Metres, GOLDIE FLANKER was shifted out away from the heels of firstly SOUTHERN EXPRESS and then GOOD FOR YOU to obtain clear running. SOUTHERN EXPRESS, KA YING KID and SOARING WYVERN were sent for sampling.