17/12/2011  Shatin  Race 1

MASTER RACER was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, HO HO DASH was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1000 Metres, FIRST CLASS was steadied away from the heels of FASTALOT which was taken in by TAKE BY STORM. After being crossed by FASTALOT, FIRST CLASS proved very difficult to settle and after the 900 Metres got its head up when being checked away from the heels of that horse. Approaching the 650 Metres, FASTALOT shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of MENTOR. J Lloyd (HOT ASSET) 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 FIRST CLASS, resulting in that horse being checked and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. J Lloyd was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 9 January 2012 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, 1 January 2012. In addition, J Lloyd was fined $25,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. Throughout the race, NEW ASIA RISING travelled wide and without cover. K C Leung (NEW ASIA RISING) reported that passing the 400 Metres he was struck on the right arm by the whip of T Angland (BONDI LAD). After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on TAKE BY STORM at the request of Trainer A S Cruz. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of FASTALOT after the race revealed that the horse was making an abnormal respiratory noise. MENTOR and HOT ASSET were sent for sampling.