11/03/2009  Happy Valley  Race 7

HOLIDAY SUN was slow to begin. On jumping, NEW CHAPTER was taken back. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, NEW CHAPTER jumped a shadow on the track. At the 1350 Metres, ROYAL PEGASUS brushed the running rail, became unbalanced, shifted out and caused some inconvenience to HANDSOME TARGET. At the 900 Metres, VICTORY STYLE got its head on the side, shifted in and became unbalanced when awkwardly placed outside the heels of MINGS’ HERO. Passing the 100 Metres, VICTORY STYLE and UNIQUE SPEED raced tight between NORDIC STAR and MINGS’ HERO which drifted out. C K Tong (VICTORY STYLE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the winning post he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of UNIQUE SPEED, causing that horse to lose its rightful running and be checked. C K Tong was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 6 April 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Saturday 28 March 2009. When questioned, D Beadman (CHAMPION LAD), which was having its first race start for two months tonight, said he was instructed to ride the horse in a prominent position. He said CHAMPION LAD began fairly, he initially rode along in an endeavour to go forward, however, tonight as has happened when racing at Happy Valley in the past, the horse took time to gather momentum. He said approaching the winning post on the first occasion UNIQUE SPEED had gone forward of him and he therefore commenced to shift across to obtain a position with cover. He said he shifted towards the outside of NORDIC STAR, however, when that horse was left racing in a two wide position, he then endeavoured to steady CHAMPION LAD to obtain a position behind NORDIC STAR. He said as he did this HANDSOME TARGET and ROYAL PEGASUS improved their positions and held him in a three wide line. He said after the 1200 Metres to avoid racing wide and without cover throughout the race, he again steadied CHAMPION LAD back to a position behind HANDSOME TARGET. He said CHAMPION LAD travelled satisfactorily in the run, he commenced to improve his position at the 500 Metres, CHAMPION LAD responded well to his riding in the early part of the Straight, however, in his opinion the horse’s run ended at about the 100 Metres. D Beadman was told his explanation would be reported. HANDSOME TARGET was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of HANDSOME TARGET after the race did not show any significant findings. NORDIC STAR, LAMBRO and VICTORY STYLE were sent for sampling.