24/06/2012  Shatin  Race 8

M Zahra (PRETTY ONE) was fined $2,000 for initially weighing out without his girth. On leaving the Parade Ring, FAT CHOY HONG KONG reared, resulting in both fore legs landing on a rail. FAT CHOY HONG KONG was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. CHEERS JOY was very fractious in the barriers and as the start was effected was slow to begin. Before being allowed to race again, CHEERS JOY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. DIAMOND ELEGANCE and TURBO KING were crowded for room shortly after the start between HAWTHORNE and GOOD WORDS, both of which shifted ground. Approaching the 1100 Metres, TURBO KING was steadied away from the heels of PRETTY ONE which shifted out. Approaching the 900 Metres, EL ZONDA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TURBO KING. Also near the 900 Metre, HI MOLLY got its head up and proved difficult to settle when racing close to the heels of ADORATION. Approaching the 800 Metres, ADORATION was left racing wide and without cover. M Du Plessis (FAT CHOY HONG KONG) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that at the 800 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of GOOD WORDS, causing that horse to be checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. M Du Plessis was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 12 July 2012 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 4 July 2012. In addition, M Du Plessis was fined $30,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. TURBO KING had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. T Angland (EL ZONDA) dropped his whip near the 350 Metres. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LONGWAH SUPREME, Z Purton stated that after initially travelling kindly in the early stages, LONGWAH SUPREME proved difficult to settle when the tempo slackened leaving the 800 Metres. He said for some distance after this LONGWAH SUPREME got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAWTHORNE and in particular approaching the 600 Metres LONGWAH SUPREME proved difficult to manage. He said he was able to shift out rounding the Home Turn when GOOD WORDS got its head on the side and hung out, however, LONGWAH SUPREME immediately came under pressure and did not respond to his riding at any time. A veterinary inspection of LONGWAH SUPREME including an endoscopic examination after the race showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, LONGWAH SUPREME will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that DIAMOND ELEGANCE had lost its left front plate and that FAT CHOY HONG KONG had sustained a superficial abrasion over the back of the left hock. LONGWAH SUPREME, EL ZONDA and FAT CHOY HONG KONG were sent for sampling.