06/10/2012  Shatin  Race 3

W M Lai (GOOD THINKER) was fined $2,000 for initially weighing out without a girth and a surcingle. GOOD THINKER shifted in abruptly at the start, resulting in PANTHER RUN, which had been slow to begin, being checked. When being crossed by NAUGHTY BABY at the 1500 Metres, KHARU got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of NAUGHTY BABY and became unbalanced. KHARU continued to shift out, resulting in GOOD THINKER being checked when tightened for room between that runner and SURE CHAMP. Approaching the 1200 Metres, PANTHER RUN commenced to over-race and shifted out away from the heels of GLORY OF INDIA. W M Lai pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of TRAVEL BRAND, resulting in that horse being checked. W M Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 18 October 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, 10 October 2012. HAPPY SCORE had difficulty obtaining clear running from the entrance to the Straight until approaching the 200 Metres. After passing the 200 Metres, SECRETARY OF STATE was obliged to be shifted to the outside of the heels of SURE CHAMP after being disappointed for running between that runner and the tiring NAUGHTY BABY. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SOUNDS EXCELLENT, D Whyte stated that the only explanation he could offer was that the tempo of the race did not suit the horse. He added nonetheless that SOUNDS EXCELLENT was quite disappointing in its failure to run on in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of SOUNDS EXCELLENT after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GLORY OF INDIA after the race did not show any significant findings. TRAVEL BRAND and SUPER STRIKE were sent for sampling. <8/10/2012 Additional Veterinary Report> SOUNDS EXCELLENT, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. SOUNDS EXCELLENT was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer K L Man yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SOUNDS EXCELLENT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.