10/07/2013  Happy Valley  Race 8

REGENCY KING was crowded for room at the start between WINNING LEADER and GREEN EAGLE which shifted out. From wide barriers, DR GOOD HABIT and CHATER WAY were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. C Y Ho (GREEN EAGLE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that for some distance approaching the 1200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of SAME WORLD, causing that horse to be taken in across the rightful running of JOLLY FINE which was checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. In considering all the circumstances, the Stewards decided to exercise their discretion provided to them by the Rules of Racing to defer Jockey Ho’s suspension from riding in races to commence on the first racemeeting of the 2013/2014 racing season and thereafter for a period incorporating the first three racemeetings of the season (3 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, C Y Ho was fined $30,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. Passing the 1000 Metres, JOLLY FINE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SAME WORLD. Also passing the 1000 Metres, DR GOOD HABIT proved difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of VITAL GOLD. Approaching the 800 Metres, REGENCY KING was taken wider by DR GOOD HABIT which shifted out when continuing to prove difficult to settle and awkwardly placed close to the heels of VITAL GOLD. After the 500 Metres, REGENCY KING got its head on the side and hung in under pressure. After the 200 Metres, FLYING UNICORN was bumped when crowded for room inside SAME WORLD which got its head on the side when shifted in. Near the 150 Metres, JOLLY FINE momentarily raced in restricted room inside FLYING UNICORN. Apprentice K C Ng (SAME WORLD) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 75 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of FLYING UNICORN, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. Apprentice Ng was fined $40,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 4 racedays. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of DR GOOD HABIT, D Whyte stated that after being able to position DR GOOD HABIT with cover behind midfield, the horse commenced to prove difficult to settle approaching and passing the 1000 Metres. He said when REGENCY KING improved its position after the 800 Metres, DR GOOD HABIT was able to follow that horse forward in the field. He said DR GOOD HABIT then became unbalanced rounding the Home Turn when placed under pressure and, in his opinion, may not have been comfortable on the surface tonight. He added that DR GOOD HABIT, which was having its first start at Happy Valley, would benefit from the experience of racing on this track. A veterinary inspection of DR GOOD HABIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that JOLLY FINE had lost its left hind plate. A veterinary inspection of VITAL GOLD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DR GOOD HABIT, SAME WORLD and JOLLY FINE were sent for sampling.