08/09/2024  Shatin  Race 5

CALIFORNIA DEEPLY (G451): Near the 150 Metres became awkwardly placed close to YEAH BUDDY and was shifted to that runner’s inside to obtain clear running. Near the 100 Metres was steadied to avoid YEAH BUDDY which shifted in. YEAH BUDDY (J430): M L Yeung was found guilty of a careless riding charge for causing interference after leaving the 150 Metres (see SUNDAY’S SERENADE). When questioned, M L Yeung stated that from a wide barrier he was requested to follow MY WISH in the event as it was anticipated to take up a forward position. He said when YEAH BUDDY commenced well, he was able to comply with his instructions which resulted in his mount racing in a more forward position than it had at its previous race starts. SNOWALOT (E397): Shortly after the start was crowded. MY WISH (J256): Shortly after the start was crowded between SNOWALOT which was taken out by SUPER BONUS and LIFE OF STONE which raced tight to the inside of YEAH BUDDY. Sent for sampling post-race. SUPER BONUS (H259): A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PEARL OF PANG'S (J447): No report. POCHETTINO (J149): From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. LIFE OF STONE (J374): Raced wide and without cover from the 800 Metres. SUNDAY'S SERENADE (J231): Jumped only fairly. M L Yeung (YEAH BUDDY) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after leaving the 150 Metres he allowed his mount to shift in, resulting in CALIFORNIA DEEPLY, which had improved to the inside of YEAH BUDDY, being taken in and crowding the running of SUNDAY’S SERENADE, causing SUNDAY’S SERENADE to be checked. M L Yeung was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Sunday, 22 September 2024 at Sha Tin. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his excellent race riding record. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER LEGENDS (H364): Near the 900 Metres, after being crossed by YEAH BUDDY, commenced to race keenly and got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of that runner. Sent for sampling post-race. STERLING WONGCHOY (H273): From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Held up for clear running near the 400 Metres. When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on the Home Turn and the reason he improved to the inside of POCHETTINO, H Bentley stated that whilst his mount was travelling reasonably well at that point, he elected to improve to the inside of POCHETTINO to save ground on the Home Turn and also to provide his mount with some confidence improving between runners. He said his decision to shift in was also influenced by the fact that this would have allowed him to follow CALIFORNIA DEEPLY into the event, a horse he had considered to be a fancied runner. The Stewards considered the tactics adopted by Jockey Bentley in the circumstances were reasonable.