27/11/2011  Shatin  Race 9

Whilst in the saddling stalls, SWEET ORANGE had its right front plate refitted. SWEET ORANGE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. NOBLE ALPHA was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, CAPTAIN SWEET was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, CERISE CHERRY failed to muster speed. Near the 1100 Metres, AMIGO commenced to over-race and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BRAVE KID. Then near the 1000 Metres, AMIGO got its head up on a number of occasions when continuing to prove difficult to settle. AMIGO had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 300 Metres, Apprentice C Y Ho (CAPTAIN SWEET) dropped his right rein. W M Lai (AMIGO) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 50 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of NOBLE ALPHA, resulting in that horse being taken out across the rightful running of AASHIQ, resulting in AASHIQ having to be checked. W M Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 12 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 next Sunday, 4 December 2011. In addition, W M Lai was fined $10,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. Over the concluding stages, NOBLE ALPHA race tight between SWEET ORANGE and AMIGO which shifted out. Because of this, NOBLE ALPHA was not able to be ridden out to the end of the race. Close to the finishing line, SWEET ORANGE was steadied when crowded for room between NOBLE ALPHA which was taken out slightly by AMIGO and VOILE ROUGE which was taken in by CAPTAIN SWEET (Apprentice C Y Ho). Apprentice Ho was advised that whilst there was a shift from horses inside of SWEET ORANGE, nonetheless he had allowed his mount to shift in under pressure and in similar circumstances he would be expected to take corrective measures to prevent his mounts from shifting ground and causing interference to other runners. VAUGIRARD was not able to obtain clear running at any stage in the Straight and consequently was not able to be tested. Throughout the race, SWEET ORANGE and SUPREME WIN travelled wide and without cover. LEADING CITY and CAPTAIN SWEET were sent for sampling.