13/10/2010  Happy Valley  Race 3

As the start was effected, CLASSIC NAVIGATOR lifted its front feet off the ground, began awkwardly and in doing so shifted out, resulting in SUPERIOR WARRIOR, which also began very awkwardly, being taken out onto OYSTER, causing both those horses to be hampered. SINGLE MALT, which was slow to begin, was hampered shortly after the start by SLEEPCARE which shifted out. From the outside barrier, LUCKY MARBLE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. O Doleuze (YOUNG SUPREME) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 600 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of TOWKAY FLYER, resulting in that horse being checked and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. MOUNT SURPLUS, which was following, was hampered in consequence. O Doleuze was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 4 November 2010 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, 24 October 2010. Throughout the race, SLEEPCARE travelled wide and without cover and making the turn passing the 600 Metres got its head on the side and hung out. Passing the 200 Metres, KARBRIDGE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TOWKAY FLYER when racing tight inside VICTORY GENERAL. When questioned, Apprentice C Y Ho (KARBRIDGE) stated that in the early stages his mount was positioned to the outside of MOUNT SURPLUS. He said when he observed that that horse was being ridden along in the early stages, he formed the opinion that MOUNT SURPLUS was being ridden to lead the race, therefore shortly after the start he elected not to ride KARBRIDGE along and endeavoured to position his mount behind MOUNT SURPLUS. He said passing the 900 Metres it became apparent to him that MOUNT SURPLUS was not going to pursue the lead, therefore he commenced to ride his mount along in an endeavour to re-establish his position to the outside of MOUNT SURPLUS. He said however TURBO KING had gained an advantage over KARBRIDGE, was able to shift in and assume the position outside MOUNT SURPLUS. He said this resulted in KARBRIDGE racing further back than had been hoped. D Whyte (VICTORY GENERAL), which was having its first start in Hong Kong tonight, said that the horse travelled greenly throughout the race and then in the Straight gave ground. He reported that after the race VICTORY GENERAL made an abnormal breathing noise. A veterinary inspection of VICTORY GENERAL after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on SINGLE MALT at the request of the trainer. The Veterinary Officer reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse`s trachea. TURBO KING and MOUNT SURPLUS were sent for sampling.