05/02/2011  Shatin  Race 8

SWEET SANETTE, which was difficult to load, was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was crowded for room between GREEN BIRDIE and ULTRA FANTASY which shifted out. Before being allowed to race again, SWEET SANETTE will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. From a wide barrier, TAI SING YEH was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the turn near the 850 Metres, ONE WORLD got its head on the side and shifted out. Passing the 400 Metres, GREEN BIRDIE was shifted in when disappointed for running between ONE WORLD and BRAVE KID. Then near the 200 Metres, GREEN BIRDIE was again shifted in to obtain clear running after being disappointed for running between LET ME FIGHT and JOY AND FUN. At the 200 Metres, ENTHUSED, which was giving ground, was bumped by SWEET SANETTE which shifted out. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in as they were of the prima facie view that an incident occurred near the 150 Metres which cast doubt on whether SACRED KINGDOM should be declared the second placegetter of the race. After viewing the videos, a protest/objection on behalf of the connections of ONE WORLD, fourth placegetter, was not proceeded with as the Stewards were of the view that whilst ONE WORLD had lost running near the 150 Metres as a result of SACRED KINGDOM shifting in, having in mind the margin between those horses at the finish of the race, they could not be comfortably satisfied that had the incident not occurred that ONE WORLD would have finished in front of SACRED KINGDOM. Whilst it did not have any bearing on the decision of the Stewards not to hear a protest/objection on behalf of the connections of ONE WORLD, it was noted that J Lloyd, after viewing the official videos, did not wish to lodge a protest/objection on behalf of the connections of ONE WORLD. At a subsequent inquiry, B Prebble (SACRED KINGDOM) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 150 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of ONE WORLD, causing that horse to be checked and lose its rightful running. B Prebble was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 17 February 2011 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting next Wednesday, 9 February 2011. In addition, B Prebble was fined $40,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. Throughout the race, BRAVE KID travelled wide and without cover. DIM SUM and SACRED KINGDOM were sent for sampling.