24/05/2009  Shatin  Race 4

INVINCIBLEKINDNESS was slow to begin, then lost further ground when crowded for room between CHATER POWER which shifted in after being bumped by NOBLE CHOICE and GILDED FLIGHT which shifted out. Shortly after the start, FAVOURITE SUPREME was checked and HO HAPPY steadied when crowded for room inside ELITE SIXTY-SIX which shifted in after being bumped by AMAZING CHOISIR which on jumping shifted in abruptly. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, GILDED FLIGHT, which was over-racing, got its head up and lost ground when being steadied away from the heels of MARIACHI. After the 400 Metres, GILDED FLIGHT was steadied away from the heels of SUPER PEGASUS, then near the 300 Metres was bumped by SUPER PEGASUS which was giving ground. Passing the 100 Metres, INVINCIBLEKINDNESS hung out, then after the 50 Metres bumped with GILDED FLIGHT which was drifting wider on the track. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SPECIAL K, W C Marwing said in his opinion whilst the horse had previously won on rain affected ground, it did not handle today’s track conditions. He said he felt that SPECIAL K being required to carry 133 lbs may have contributed to its failure to handle the track. D Beadman, the rider of 6th placegetter, ELITE SIXTY-SIX, was found guilty of a charge of having failed to ride his mount out to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stewards [Rule 100(2)]. In the circumstances of this matter and having in mind the margin between the 4th placing and the 6th placing, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was for D Beadman’s licence to ride in races be suspended for a period to expire on Monday 8 June 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 Sunday 31 May 2009. SPECIAL K was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SPECIAL K after the race did not show any significant findings. CALIFORNIA MOON and NOBLE CHOICE were sent for sampling.