16/05/2010  Shatin  Race 8

Prior to leaving the stable to make its way to the Parade Ring, it was noted that MAELSTROM had lost its right front plate. This plate was refitted. MAELSTROM was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. On arrival at the Start, it was noted that there was blood on the left neck of AMEDEO. AMEDEO was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. TRULLI stood flat-footed at the start and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, TRULLI will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. Apprentice K W Leung (MY WHISKY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1000 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his horse from shifting ground, resulting in MY WHISKY shifting in across the rightful running of KING OF HEARTS. As a result, KING OF HEARTS was checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. Apprentice Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday 13 June 2010 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 2 June 2010. Near the 700 Metres, WELL NOTED was steadied away from the heels of MY WHISKY. Shortly after entering the Straight, MASARYK was crowded for room between GLOBAL WIN and KING OF HEARTS which shifted out slightly. Throughout the race, GLOBAL WIN travelled wide and without cover. Apprentice M L Yeung (WELL NOTED) reported that his saddle shifted back slightly at the entrance to the Straight. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that Apprentice K W Leung’s riding out of MY WHISKY over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s placing, nonetheless he was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned, B Prebble stated that MAELSTROM travelled only fairly in the early and middle stages of the race and passing the 700 Metres came under pressure to hold its position. He said passing the 600 Metres he was forced to use the whip on MAELSTROM on a number of occasions in an attempt to have the horse travel, however, MAELSTROM became unbalanced in its action and gave ground. He said as he was concerned that MAELSTROM might have gone amiss, he commenced to ease the horse down in the early part of the Straight. He said however that once becoming balanced, MAELSTROM commenced to travel more kindly, he then passing the 250 Metres applied some pressure to MAELSTROM and the horse responded only fairly to his riding. He added however that the manner in which he had to ride MAELSTROM out passing the 600 Metres and its failure to respond to his vigorous riding caused him to believe that something might have gone amiss with MAELSTROM. A veterinary inspection of MAELSTROM after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MAELSTROM was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MAELSTROM will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of KING OF HEARTS after the race did not show any significant findings. AMEDEO, FLYING CHINA and CENTURY SUPER STAR were sent for sampling.