08/06/2024  Shatin  Race 8

STUNNING PEACH (J301): Bumped on jumping. Z Purton pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference near the 350 Metres (see ALACRITY). Sent for sampling post-race. WINNING DRAGON (E461): No report. ALACRITY (H210): Z Purton (STUNNING PEACH) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 350 Metres he allowed his mount to shift in when not clear of ALACRITY, resulting in ALACRITY being crowded for room and checked. Z Purton was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Thursday, 4 July 2024 at Happy Valley. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his excellent race riding record. SUPREME AGILITY (J267): On jumping was crowded between UNIVERSAL HORIZON an ALACRITY which shifted in abruptly. FLAMINGO TRILLION (H192): After the race, K C Leung reported that his mount was unsuited by being pressured in the early stages and in particular when FLAGSHIP WARRIOR went forward approaching the 900 Metres. He added as a result FLAMINGO TRILLION was left without a finishing effort in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. UNIVERSAL HORIZON (G360): Sent for sampling post-race. STAR MAC (J053): After the race, H Bowman reported that his mount travelled reasonably well but when asked for an effort approaching the 300 Metres got its head up and did not respond to his riding. He added when he was concerned there may be something amiss with his mount, he eased it down from the event. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of STAR MAC, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, STAR MAC will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SAMARKAND (H070): Bumped on jumping. For a short distance leaving the 1400 Metres raced tight to the inside of ESCAPE ROUTE which was crowded by FLAMINGO TRILLION which shifted in before being corrected by its rider. BEAUTY LIVE (G057): Bumped at the start. FLAGSHIP WARRIOR (G452): When caught wide in the early stages and racing keenly was allowed to stride forward and lead approaching the 900 Metres. After the race, Trainer C Fownes confirmed that Apprentice E C W Wong was given the option of taking up a forward position if circumstances permitted. BRIGHT INHERITANCE (J215): Bumped at the start. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NICHOLSON RETURNS (E452): On arrival at the Start, K De Melo expressed concern with the horse’s action. NICHOLSON RETURNS was examined by the Veterinary Officer who after the necessary consultation said the horse was suitable to race. From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the race, K De Melo stated that his mount did not travel well throughout the event and when he was concerned there may be something amiss with his mount in the Home Straight, he eased it down from the event. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of NICHOLSON RETURNS, which had performed similarly on the second consecutive occasion, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, NICHOLSON RETURNS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in consecutive barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination which must include additional diagnostic assessments. ESCAPE ROUTE (E273): Near the 1100 Metres, when racing keenly, was steadied to avoid WINNING DRAGON.