05/01/2011  Happy Valley  Race 7

SHIFACHI TRADITION was slow to begin. FORTUNE RED PEPPER began awkwardly. ABLE SPEED began awkwardly and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of ABSOLUTE HEDGE. After this, ABLE SPEED was taken across behind runners. Passing the 1200 Metres, QUICK TOUCH got its head up and proved difficult to settle when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ABSOLUTE HEDGE. For some distance passing the 1000 Metres, FORTUNE RED PEPPER proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SOVIET PEARL. REALLY HAPPY raced wide and without cover until passing the 900 Metres. Near the 800 Metres, QUICK TOUCH blundered when racing close to the heels of REALLY HAPPY. SOVIET PEARL was held up for clear running until passing the 200 Metres. After the 200 Metres, Apprentice T H So (REALLY HAPPY) momentarily dropped his left rein. Near the 150 Metres, QUICK TOUCH was checked when disappointed for running between REALLY HAPPY and GREAT ACHIEVEMENT which shifted out slightly. As the Stewards were of the opinion that QUICK TOUCH had not properly established running between those two horses, no further action was taken. T Angland (HAPPY TUMBLER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of MY HOME TOWN, resulting in MY HOME TOWN being checked and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. T Angland was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 27 January 2011 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension shall commence on Thursday, 20 January 2011 on which day T Angland was due to resume race riding from a suspension incurred in Race 6. In addition, T Angland was fined $25,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. SHIFACHI TRADITION had difficulty obtaining clear running until passing the 100 Metres. Almost right on the finishing line, FORTUNE RED PEPPER was crowded for room inside ABSOLUTE HEDGE which shifted in. A veterinary inspection of QUICK TOUCH after the race did not show any significant findings. FLYING SUPREME and ABSOLUTE HEDGE were sent for sampling.