10/03/2013  Shatin  Race 8

MASTER GUNNER began awkwardly and lost ground at the start. Despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, TOWERING STORM failed to muster speed. From a wide barrier, GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. W C Marwing (SUNNY YING) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1600 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of FLUKE, resulting in that horse being taken in onto LEVEL PLAYER which was in turn taken in onto MALHECHOR GOLD which in turn was checked and taken in onto HEAR THE ROAR which was severely checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. In this incident, MASTER GUNNER, TOWERING STORM and GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR, which were following, were hampered in consequence. W C Marwing was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 8 April 2013 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Dubai World Cup racemeeting to be conducted on Saturday, 30 March 2013. After the 1200 Metres, HEAR THE ROAR was steadied away from the heels of LEVEL PLAYER. TOWERING STORM was unable to obtain clear running until after the 300 Metres. SUNNY YING and LEVEL PLAYER were held up for clear running until passing the 200 Metres. Approaching the 100 Metres, TURBO JEWELLERY was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of PRECISION ERA which in the Straight got its head on the side, lay in and proved difficult to ride. Throughout the race, GOLDEN TREASURE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, R Fourie stated that he had been instructed to utilize barrier 2 and ride TOWERING STORM in a midfield position. He said after beginning only fairly, he rode TOWERING STORM along vigorously in the early stages to obtain the position as instructed, however, TOWERING STORM, despite being ridden along, did not show early speed and because of this he was not able to position the horse as far forward as he would have liked. He added it had been his hope that he would be able to follow SUNNY YING throughout the race. He said after being obliged to race further back in the field than had been intended, TOWERING STORM commenced to travel keenly when receiving the backwash of interference after the 1600 Metres. He said after this TOWERING STORM commenced to travel better, however, was much further back in the field than had been anticipated. He added rounding the Home Turn he elected to shift out and follow GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR through as he believed that horse would be a good chance in today’s race. He said however that GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR did not improve its position as quickly as he had hoped and for this reason he was held up for clear running inside that horse and behind GOLDEN TREASURE. He said after the 300 Metres he was able to shift TOWERING STORM to the outside of GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR into clear running. He said he immediately placed the horse under pressure and TOWERING STORM then closed off the race strongly. HEAR THE ROAR and TURBO JEWELLERY, SUNNY YING and PRECISION ERA were sent for sampling.