21/03/2012  Shatin  Race 1

PRECISION MAGIC was slow to begin. HAPPY EAGLE was slow to begin and then a short distance after the start was steadied away from the heels of FANTASTISCH which shifted out after beginning awkwardly. Near the 1700 Metres, CHEERFUL DOUBLE blundered after being bumped by HAPPY EAGLE. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, FANTASTISCH was steadied away from the heels of RACING SPORT which shifted in when only just clear. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, M’S MAGIC commenced to over-race and was checked away from the heels of RACING SPORT which got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of STORM’S DESTINY. BULLISH POWER travelled wide and without over until after the 700 Metres. HAPPY EAGLE also travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. Passing the 600 Metres, RACING SPORT became unbalanced when improving into tight running between NOBLE TWINS and STORM’S DESTINY which made contact with FANTASTISCH on a number of occasions as STORM’S DESTINY attempted to improve around the heels of BULLISH POWER. M’S MAGIC was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn. CHEERFUL DOUBLE had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Near the 300 Metres, TELECOM GOGO shifted out and bumped PLOT RATIO which was giving ground. U Rispoli (TELECOM GOGO) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that over the concluding stages he permitted his mount to shift in under pressure, resulting in STORM’S DESTINY being taken in onto M’S MAGIC, causing M’S MAGIC to be bumped heavily and to become badly unbalanced. U Rispoli was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 19 April 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 Monday, 9 April 2012. A veterinary inspection of PLOT RATIO after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm and an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, PLOT RATIO will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of NOBLE TWINS after the race did not show any significant findings. M’S MAGIC, EASY JOB and FANTASTISCH were sent for sampling.