22/05/2013  Happy Valley  Race 4

DIAMOND START was crowded for room at the start between MASTER GUNNER and FLUKE which shifted out. DILIGENT III was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, TELECOM PRINCE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1300 Metres, FLUKE was momentarily crowded for room inside MASTER GUNNER which shifted in slightly when racing tight inside AMBITIOUS TREASURE. After the 800 Metres, TELECOM PRINCE was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 700 Metres, OYSTER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of EASY GOLD. W M Lai (OYSTER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 50 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of SILVER DRAGON, causing that horse to be checked and taken out onto FLUKE which was severely checked. MASTER GUNNER, which was positioned to the outside of the heels of FLUKE, was also severely checked after having been taken in slightly by AMBITIOUS TREASURE (O Doleuze). W M Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday, 9 June 2013 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension shall commence on Monday, 3 June 2013 on which day W M Lai was due to resume race riding from a suspension incurred at the Sha Tin racemeeting on Saturday, 11 May 2013. In addition, W M Lai was fined $20,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. O Doleuze was severely reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mount. When questioned, G Mossé stated that at the entrance to the Straight he elected to shift DIAMOND START out into tight running between HOME WITH GLORY and inside GOOD THINKER. He said however that DIAMOND START was reluctant to improve its position between these horses and therefore he shifted the horse back to the inside in an endeavour to obtain clear running. He said he rode DIAMOND START along until after the 200 Metres at which time he was again obliged to shift in away from the heels of FLUKE which shifted out to his inside. He said he commenced to start riding DIAMOND START out, however, there was interference to a number of runners in advance of DIAMOND START near the 50 Metres and as DIAMOND START was not going to factor in the placings at this time, he did not ride it out over the concluding stages. G Mossé was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, wherever circumstances permit, he must ensure that he rides his mounts out with sufficient purpose and vigour. A veterinary inspection of GOOD THINKER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. OYSTER and SIGHT LOVER were sent for sampling.