01/07/2011  Shatin  Race 9

GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR and CHATER D’CAT bumped at the start. HEALTHY BLUEBERRY began awkwardly and then was bumped by OWNERS’ GLORY which shifted in slightly. TOM’S EIGHTH was slow to begin. Near the 1600 Metres, ANTIPASTO was severely checked when crowded for room inside HEALTHY BLUEBERRY which at this time was taken in by HAPPY SEVEN (C K Tong) which itself got its head on the side and shifted in away from AMITYSHIP. In this incident, HEALTHY BLUEBERRY was also hampered. C K Tong was advised to ensure that he makes every effort as early as possible to prevent his mounts from shifting in and crowding the racing room of other runners. When questioned, C K Tong stated that after this HAPPY SEVEN proved difficult to settle. He said after the 1400 Metres he was receiving pressure from I SMELL MONEY to his outside and HAPPY SEVEN was reluctant to maintain its position between that horse and HEALTHY BLUEBERRY. He stated that rather than ride his mount along at this time, he elected to have HAPPY SEVEN settled which presented the opportunity for I SMELL MONEY to shift in and obtain a position with cover in front of HAPPY SEVEN and behind GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR. C K Tong was advised that his riding during this part of the race had come under notice and that he has an obligation under the Rules to ride competitively wherever possible. Near the 1300 Metres, MAJESTIC HEART got its head up when being checked away from the heels of OWNERS’ GLORY. After the 900 Metres, NICE FOLKS was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn after the 850 Metres, SADDLERS LODGE got its head up and shifted out. A veterinary inspection of GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of SADDLERS LODGE and I SMELL MONEY after the race did not show any significant findings. SADDLERS LODGE, NICE FOLKS and AMITYSHIP were sent for sampling.