09/11/2011  Happy Valley  Race 2

WIND DAMPER was slow to begin. STAR SON and HEI HEI POSH were crowded for room at the start between NOVEL START and TRACK LIGHTNING which shifted out after beginning awkwardly. After this, HEI HEI POSH was taken across behind runners. From the outside barrier, HERO AND GOLD was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the first turn near the 1000 Metres, DRAGONFIELD got its head up and proved difficult to settle when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ELUSIVE PRINCE. Rounding the Home Turn, WIND DAMPER was steadied away from the heels of FORTUNE SPIRIT and was then shifted in to obtain clear running. In the early part of the Straight, STAR SON was momentarily held up for clear running inside WIND DAMPER. HERO AND GOLD was unable to obtain clear running until near the 200 Metres. J Lloyd (STAR SON) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 50 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount from shifting ground, resulting in STAR SON shifting in across the rightful running of DILIGENT III, causing that horse to be checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. J Lloyd was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 5 December 2011 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, 27 November 2011. When questioned, Apprentice T H So said that as he had been instructed to lead on NOVEL START, he rode the horse along in the early stages from its wide barrier. He said making the first turn NOVEL START got its head on the side and hung out. He said after entering the Back Straight he improved his position with a view to crossing TRACK LIGHTNING which was racing to the outside of ELUSIVE PRINCE which was racing on the fence. He said due to the manner in which TRACK LIGHTNING was travelling, he was of the view that he would have had to make considerable use of NOVEL START to cross that horse as he felt that he was only able to obtain about a half length advantage over that horse. He added that as he was of the view that he would have had to make considerable use of NOVEL START to cross TRACK LIGHTNING which would have negated the horse’s ability to close off the race, he chose instead to continue to race outside TRACK LIGHTNING albeit in a three wide position. Apprentice So was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he should, wherever possible, make every endeavour to avoid covering unnecessary ground in the future. A veterinary inspection of TRACK LIGHTNING and SUPER CAGA after the race did not show any significant findings. TRACK LIGHTNING, ELUSIVE PRINCE and WIND DAMPER were sent for sampling.