17/11/2013  Shatin  Race 4

DRAGON FIGHTER began awkwardly and shortly after the start was crowded for room between GENUINE CHAMPION and ROMAN LEGEND which shifted in. From a wide barrier, SMART BALL was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the first turn after the 900 Metres, GENUINE CHAMPION got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY HAMMER. Passing the 300 Metres, GO GO WIN was shifted out away from the heels of DRAGON FIGHTER (M L Yeung) which shifted out. M L Yeung was severely reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. M Chadwick (ROMAN LEGEND) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that over the concluding stages he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of ART OF SUCCESS, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. M Chadwick was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 5 December 2013 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday, 24 November 2013. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if HAPPY YEAH YEAH had been afforded a fair start. After viewing the videos and taking evidence from H W Lai, the rider of HAPPY YEAH YEAH, the Stewards found that HAPPY YEAH YEAH stood flat-footed as the start was effected and then shifted out abruptly towards the outside rail. Because of this, HAPPY YEAH YEAH lost a substantial amount of ground and effectively took no part in the race. As the Stewards were of the opinion that the incident was attributable only to HAPPY YEAH YEAH and there were no other outside influences, HAPPY YEAH YEAH was deemed to have been afforded a fair start and accordingly was declared a runner. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY YEAH YEAH will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. ART OF SUCCESS, ULTIMATE WINNERS and ROMAN LEGEND were sent for sampling.