12/02/2013  Shatin  Race 3

Whilst in the saddling stalls, MY WORD had its left hind plate refitted. MY WORD was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. LUCKY CHEVALIER began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped HANDSOME BATCHELOR. HIT A HOME RUN was slow to begin. From wide barriers, LITTLE MEN and WINNING LEGEND were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. For some distance after the start, MY WORD was badly buffeted for room between GERONIMO MEADOW and FORZA, both of which shifted ground marginally. After being bumped by MY WORD, GERONIMO MEADOW shifted in despite the efforts of its rider, resulting in HANDSOME BATCHELOR being taken in onto LUCKY CHEVALIER which was hampered. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, COMPACT YARN failed to muster speed. Near the 1200 Metres, HIT A HOME RUN was awkwardly placed inside the heels of MY WORD. C W Wong (SPECTACULAR AWARD) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of GERONIMO MEADOW, causing that horse to be checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. In this incident, GERONIMO MEADOW bumped LUCKY CHEVALIER which became unbalanced. C W Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 11 March 2013 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 27 February 2013. For some distance approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, GERONIMO MEADOW got its head up when proving difficult to settle. After the 900 Metres, SPECTACULAR AWARD was left racing wide and without cover. Also after the 900 Metres, after being crossed by SOLAR BOY, FORZA proved difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse for some distance. After the 600 Metres, FORZA and NOTUS bumped. Rounding the Home Turn, LITTLE MEN raced tight between WINNING LEGEND and LUCKY CHEVALIER which shifted out slightly. Then passing the 400 Metres, LITTLE MEN and WINNING LEGEND were hampered when crowded for room between COMPACT YARN and LUCKY CHEVALIER (M Chadwick) which shifted out to obtain clear running. M Chadwick was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. After this, LITTLE MEN was shifted to the inside of LUCKY CHEVALIER to obtain clear running. Passing the 300 Metres, HIT A HOME RUN was steadied when disappointed for running between SPECTACULAR AWARD and GRACYTOM which shifted out to obtain clear running. After this incident, HIT A HOME RUN was then awkwardly placed close to the heels of GRACYTOM for a short distance. Approaching the 50 Metres, T Clark (WINNING LEGEND) dropped his whip. A veterinary inspection of WINNING LEGEND and LUCKY CHEVALIER after the race did not show any significant findings. LITTLE MEN, HINYUEN PALADIN and SOLAR BOY were sent for sampling.