15/12/2024  Shatin  Race 9

SWIFT ASCEND (H395): Shifted in at the start and was bumped. For a short distance was held up for clear running on the Home Turn. Sent for sampling post-race. KA YING VICTORY (H287): Jumped awkwardly and then from a wide barrier was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages. AERIS NOVA (J534): Jumped only fairly. Near the 450 Metres was severely checked to avoid the fallen JOYFUL HUNTER and as a result was eased down from the event. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AWESOME TREASURE (E435): No report. JOYFUL HUNTER (H198): J McDonald (SWIFT ASCEND) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 450 Metres he directed his mount out to the outside of CHARMING BABE when not clear of LUCKY ARCHANGEL, resulting in SWIFT ASCEND making heavy contact with LUCKY ARCHANGEL and taking that horse across the running of JOYFUL HUNTER, resulting in JOYFUL HUNTER falling and L Hewitson being dislodged. Jockey Hewitson was transported to hospital for treatment. J McDonald was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Thursday, 26 December 2024 and to expire on Thursday, 16 January 2025 on which day he may resume race riding (7 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey McDonald was fined $60,000. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 3 and the consequences grade 5 and also considered his very good race riding record. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. SUPER INFINITY (J320): From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 450 Metres was severely checked to avoid the fallen JOYFUL HUNTER, resulting in its rider Z Purton being placed at a disadvantage when the horse’s bridle was displaced. As a result, SUPER INFINITY took no further part in the event. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MAJESTIC EXPRESS (J244): Jumped only fairly and was bumped by SWIFT ASCEND. Between the 400 Metres and the 250 Metres had difficulty obtaining clear running when positioned behind SWIFT ASCEND. ENDUED (K033): From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 450 Metres was severely checked to avoid the fallen JOYFUL HUNTER and as a result was eased down from the event. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY ARCHANGEL (E385): No report. CHARMING BABE (J513): In the Home Straight lay in and near the 150 Metres was positioned close to the heels of GOLDEN LUCK which shifted out slightly. GOLDEN LUCK (H159): No report. MEOWTH (J487): Sent for sampling post-race.