02/02/2013  Shatin  Race 9

PACKING OK was withdrawn on 31.1.13 by order of the Stewards (stable transfer). LIBERATOR failed to muster speed in the early stages. In the early stages, MIGHTY HIGH got its head up on a number of occasions and hung in. After the 1300 Metres, HELENE SPIRIT was steadied way from the heels of PURE CHAMPION. Near the 900 Metres, REAL SPECIALIST, which was racing tight inside FAMILISTS, shifted in, made contact with the running rail and became unbalanced. At the 300 Metres, DAN EXCEL was steadied and shifted to the inside of BEAUTY LEAD after being disappointed for running between that horse and PURE CHAMPION. G Mosse (PURE CHAMPION) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that over the concluding stages he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of DAN EXCEL, causing that horse to be checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. G Mosse was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday, 3 March 2013 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, 24 February 2013. When questioned, W M Lai stated that, from the outside barrier, he had been instructed by the horse’s trainer and owner to ride SAME WORLD in a midfield position if possible with cover. He said it was explained to him by the owner of the horse that it was his preference for SAME WORLD not to be ridden on the speed and he was of the opinion that the horse would be able to finish off the race were it to be ridden further back in the field today than had been the case of late. He said he shifted SAME WORLD across behind runners in the early stages in a position slightly worse than midfield, however, due to the circumstances of the race he was not able to obtain cover. Trainer J Moore confirmed that it was the specific wish of SAME WORLD’s owner for the horse to be ridden off the speed today. A veterinary inspection of REAL SPECIALIST after the race revealed that it was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, REAL SPECIALIST will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of LIBERATOR after the race did not show any significant findings. PURE CHAMPION and DAN EXCEL were sent for sampling.