10/01/2010  Shatin  Race 10

THUNDER DANCING, which made contact with another horse behind the barriers, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said, in his opinion, it was suitable to race. SUPER CAGA was slow to begin. From wide barriers, CHINA WIN and JUN DAO were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1100 Metres, KING AL AKBAR became unbalanced when checked away from the heels of CAGA SPIRIT. In this incident, KING AL AKBAR shifted in and bumped GREAT HEART. For some distance approaching and passing the 1100 Metres, NATURAL FLAME proved difficult to settle and near the 900 Metres got its head up when being checked away from the heels of KING AL AKBAR which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CAGA SPIRIT. Near the 600 Metres, JUMBO GOLD was steadied when crowded for room between MR CELERITY and BRAVE KID which shifted out. Rounding the Home Turn, CHINA WIN and JUMBO GOLD bumped as CHINA WIN shifted to the outside of UPGRADING to improve. Also rounding the Home Turn, KING AL AKBAR raced tight between GREAT HEART and CAGA SPIRIT, both of which shifted ground. Apprentice M Chadwick (GREAT HEART) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 400 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of KING AL AKBAR, resulting in that horse having to be checked and losing its rightful running. Apprentice Chadwick was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 8 February 2010 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension shall commence on Monday 1 February 2010 on which day he was due to resume race riding from a previous suspension incurred in Race 2. In assessing penalty for this matter, the Stewards were mindful that Apprentice Chadwick would not be available to fulfil race riding engagements at the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Sunday 31 January 2010 on which day two Group races are scheduled to be conducted. A veterinary inspection of THUNDER DANCING after the race did not show any significant findings. BRAVE KID and MR CELERITY were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GREAT HEART had lost its left front plate.