18/09/2022  Shatin  Race 10

SUPER TEN was slow to begin. ROUND THE EARTH began awkwardly and then from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. ULTRA EXPRESS began awkwardly and then was bumped by CHARITY GRACE which was taken in by MR ASCENDENCY. Near the 1300 Metres, ROYAL BOMB shifted out and hampered MR ASCENDENCY. Approaching the 900 Metres, MASTER HERO was left racing wide and without cover. After the 800 Metres, SUPER TEN, which had been ridden along to obtain a forward position, was awkwardly placed behind RED TITAN. Rounding the Home Turn, DRAGON FORTUNE raced tight outside MR ASCENDENCY which shifted to the outside of ROYAL BOMB to obtain clear running. KASA PAPA was badly held up for clear running from on straightening until passing the 100 Metres at which time KASA PAPA shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of ERIMO which became unbalanced. In the early part of the Straight, SUPER TEN had difficulty obtaining clear running and passing the 300 Metres was awkwardly placed inside the heels of ERIMO which shifted in before being directed back out to relieve the crowding to SUPER TEN. SUPER TEN was then momentarily eased away from the heels of KASA PAPA at the 150 Metres as that horse shifted out in an attempt to obtain clear running. Also in the early part of the Straight, HANDSOME TWELVE was very awkwardly placed close to the heels of MASTER HERO when held up for clear running behind that horse. HANDSOME TWELVE was then directed to the inside of MASTER HERO passing the 300 Metres and in doing so brushed WIN WIN FIGHTER. Passing the 100 Metres, WIN WIN FIGHTER was shifted out away from the heels of ERIMO to continue improving. S De Sousa (MR ASCENDENCY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 150 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in a number of horses which resulted in MR ASCENDENCY shifting in across the rightful running of MASTER HERO approaching the 50 Metres, causing MASTER HERO to be hampered when unnecessarily crowded for room inside MR ASCENDENCY. S De Sousa was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 26 October 2022 and to expire on Monday, 31 October 2022 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In this incident, ERIMO, which was continuing to race tight outside KASA PAPA, was steadied when tightened for room in consequence between MASTER HERO and KASA PAPA. Over the concluding stages, ROUND THE EARTH was awkwardly placed behind HANDSOME TWELVE. Close to the finishing line, ROYAL BOMB was steadied away from the heels of CHARITY GRACE. Because of this, ROYAL BOMB was not ridden out all the way to the end of the race. A veterinary inspection of ROYAL BOMB, DRAGON FORTUNE and SUPER TEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MR ASCENDENCY and KASA PAPA were sent for sampling.