17/11/2024  Shatin  Race 11

PACKING POWER (J284): K C Leung (VICTORY SKY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 150 Metres he allowed his mount to shift out when not clear of PACKING POWER, resulting in PACKING POWER being checked to avoid the heels of VICTORY SKY and also contributing to DIVANO being checked when crowded between EIGHTY LIGHT YEARS and PACKING POWER. K C Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 11 December 2024 and to expire on Monday, 16 December 2024 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his neutral race riding record. When questioned, Z Purton stated that he was obliged to make use of his mount in the early stages to take up a position outside the lead. He said with the early stages of the event being run inside of standard time, PACKING POWER did not travel strongly when in this position. He added in the Home Straight PACKING POWER commenced to give ground and although crowded near the 150 Metres was under pressure prior to that incident. He further stated that when PACKING POWER continued to shift ground over the concluding stages he did not ride the horse out to the finish as he was concerned something may have been amiss. Trainer C S Shum concurred with the views of Jockey Purton and stated that PACKING POWER had pleased him leading into today’s race including its most recent barrier trial on 4 November 2024. He added that at its next race start PACKING POWER would be stepped up in distance and would be ridden in a more conservative manner in the early stages. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The Stewards determined the performance of PACKING POWER to be disappointing as compared to its previous race starts. Before being allowed to race again, PACKING POWER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Sent for sampling post-race. PRESS LINK (K018): When commencing to finish the race off well was held up for clear running behind PACKING POWER approaching the 100 Metres when that runner commenced to give ground. As a result, PRESS LINK was steadied and shifted to the inside of PACKING POWER and THESIS to obtain clear running. Over the concluding stages could not be ridden out to the finish when improving close to POSITIVE SMILE. FAST RESPONDER (J295): Jumped awkwardly, got its head up and shifted out and as a result became unbalanced. In the early stages raced keenly and got its head up as its rider L Hewitson endeavoured to obtain cover. EIGHTY LIGHT YEARS (H170): Shortly after the start was bumped by CHAMPION INSTINCT which shifted in slightly. Near the 800 Metres was steadied to avoid PACKING POWER (Z Purton) which shifted in when not clear. Z Purton was reprimanded. In assessing penalty, the Stewards were of the opinion that Apprentice P N Wong had persisted for too long in endeavouring to hold a position to the inside of PACKING POWER notwithstanding the fact that PACKING POWER was not sufficiently clear. Apprentice Wong was advised she would be expected to show better judgement than what she did on this occasion. Near the 250 Metres was bumped on the hindquarters and became unbalanced. DIVANO (J142): Bumped at the start. After being held up for clear running endeavoured to obtain a tight run between PACKING POWER and EIGHTY LIGHT YEARS near the 250 Metres, resulting in DIVANO making contact with EIGHTY LIGHT YEARS and being steadied when disappointed for clear running. J McDonald was advised to exercise more care and to endure there is sufficient room to improve. Near the 150 Metres DIVANO was checked when crowded between EIGHTY LIGHT YEARS and PACKING POWER. After the event, J McDonald stated that his mount was travelling well in the Home Straight before being interfered with and, in his opinion, would have finished the race off had it been afforded clear running. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. YOUNG SUPERSTAR (J400): Sent for sampling post-race. CASA ROCHESTER (J494): After the 900 Metres became unbalanced when racing in restricted room between POSITIVE SMILE and PATCH OF COSMO. THUNDER PRINCE (K017): Momentarily crowded near the 900 Metres. Between the 400 Metres and the 150 Metres was held up for clear running. PATCH OF COSMO (J357): Jumped only fairly. Over the final 50 Metres raced tight between VICTORY SKY and LIFELINE EXPRESS, both of which shifted ground slightly. POSITIVE SMILE (J467): No report. THESIS (H111): No report. CHAMPION INSTINCT (H012): Shifted in shortly after the start and was bumped. Near the 900 Metres shifted in and was steadied when awkwardly placed close to DIVANO. Raced wide and without cover from the 900 Metres. VICTORY SKY (J540): Bumped at the start. K C Leung pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference near the 150 Metres (see PACKING POWER). Sent for sampling post-race. LIFELINE EXPRESS (H439): Taken out at the start by FAST RESPONDER and then from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When questioned regarding his riding out of LIFELINE EXPRESS and as to whether he had ridden his mount out fully to the end of the race, A Badel stated that when riding his mount out, he had received a call from L Ferraris, rider of PATCH OF COSMO, when that runner was racing tight to his inside. He said as a consequence over the final stages of the event he did not fully ride his mount out to ensure that it did not cause interference to PATCH OF COSMO. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that his actions had not affected his finishing position, he was advised that, wherever possible, he should ensure he rides his mounts out to the finish of the event. SUPER INFINITY (J320): Withdrawn on 16.11.24 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind) and replaced by Standby Declared Starter CASA ROCHESTER. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER INFINITY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.