14/04/2013  Happy Valley  Race 8

LUCKY OMENS was hampered at the start when crowded for room between COOL BEAN which was taken out by CHAMPAGNE DAYS and AMAZINGLY which was taken in by ENTHUSING. In this incident, COOL BEAN and AMAZINGLY made heavy contact. From a wide barrier, CHEER was taken across behind runners shortly after start. Passing the 1600 Metres, LUCKY OMENS was momentarily crowded for room inside CHAMPAGNE DAYS which, after being ridden along to maintain its position inside COOL BEAN, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse when unable to continue to maintain its position. T H So (TURBO JEWELLERY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1500 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of AMAZINGLY, causing that horse to be taken in onto COOL BEAN which in turn was hampered and taken across the rightful running of PEPPERMINT which was crowded for room and lost ground. T H So was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 29 April 2013 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Macau Jockey Club racemeeting on Sunday, 21 April 2013. In addition, T H So was fined $20,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. Approaching the 400 Metres, OWNERS’ GLORY and CHEER raced tight as CHEER shifted out into clear running. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LUCKY OMENS, M Chadwick stated that his mount became unbalanced on a number of occasions passing the winning post on the first occasion when shifting out abruptly and bumping OWNERS’ GLORY. He said after this LUCKY OMENS travelled well, however, did not quicken as it did at its most recent start. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY OMENS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped. LUCKY OMENS, TURBO JEWELLERY and INDIGO WAY were sent for sampling.