09/12/2012  Shatin  Race 3

After being transported from the Olympic stable, it was noted that ACTIVISM had lost its right front plate. This plate was refitted in the saddling stalls. ACTIVISM was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. MEDALLIST and HEAR THE ROAR bumped at the start. REAL GENEROUS was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, LOVING STAR was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Also from wide barriers, GREAT STORIES and TAKNAM were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. R Fourie (GRAND ELITE) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 1400 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of MEDALLIST, causing that horse to be checked and in turn to be taken in onto HEAR THE ROAR which was also checked when crowded for room. R Fourie was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday, 23 December 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, 16 December 2012. HEAR THE ROAR was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn. After the 350 Metres, SUNSHINE DAY got its head on the side and shifted out, resulting in GRAND ELITE being carried out slightly. After this, GRAND ELITE shifted out, resulting in ACTIVISM being taken out and causing REAL GENEROUS to be checked and having to alter course and HEAR THE ROAR blundering when being checked between ACTIVISM and TURBO JEWELLERY. As there were a number of circumstances associated with this incident, no further action was taken, however, R Fourie was advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. In the Straight, SUNSHINE DAY hung out and proved difficult to ride. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TURBO JEWELLERY, D Whyte stated that after being obliged to race three wide and without cover throughout the race, TURBO JEWELLERY got its head on the side and commenced to lay out after the 600 Metres. He said at this time he rode TURBO JEWELLERY along in an endeavour to prevent MEDALLIST from shifting out to his inside, however, TURBO JEWELLERY came under pressure and this combined with the fact that the horse was continuing to lay out, resulting in him not being able to prevent MEDALLIST from shifting out. He said TURBO JEWELLERY came under pressure in the early part of the Straight to hold its position, however, due to the manner in which the horse was hanging out, he was not able to properly test it in the Straight. He added that TURBO JEWELLERY was disappointing as it commenced to give ground from the 600 Metres albeit the circumstances of the race were not entirely favourable for TURBO JEWELLERY today. A veterinary inspection of TURBO JEWELLERY after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of TURBO JEWELLERY, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TURBO JEWELLERY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of HEAR THE ROAR after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GRAND ELITE after the race revealed the horse to have sustained speedy cuts to the left hind leg. TURBO JEWELLERY, TAKNAM and JAMESINA were sent for sampling.