05/02/2014  Happy Valley  Race 9

Shortly after the start, REDWOOD BABY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RIYADH when taken out by LUCKY OMENS. Near the 1700 Metres, NOBLE BOY got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of RIYADH which was taken out by LUCKY OMENS which in turn was taken out by AMBITIOUS CHAMPION which shifted out away from the heels of AXIOM which got its head on the side and shifted out. In this incident, LUCKY OMENS and RIYADH were also hampered. AMBASSADORSHIP, which from the outside barrier was being steadied and taken across behind runners and racing outside NOBLE BOY, was hampered in consequence. O Doleuze (AMBER DRAGON) 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 AXIOM, causing that horse to be taken in across the rightful running of ROYAL PARTNER which was checked and in turn taken in onto WRATH OF FIRE which was crowded for room.. O Doleuze was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 27 February 2014 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, 16 February 2014. In addition, O Doleuze was fined $45,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, AMBITIOUS CHAMPION proved difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOLDEN ADDICTION. After the 1100 Metres, AMBASSADORSHIP got its head up when being checked away from the heels of NOBLE BOY. Rounding the Home Turn, NOBLE BOY was held up and unable to improve and then had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight.. Passing the 200 Metres, LUCKY OMENS was directed in away from the heels of WRATH OF FIRE which shifted in. After this, LUCKY OMENS was held up for clear running behind AMBER DRAGON which was giving ground. J Moreira (GOLDEN ADDICTION) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 50 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of REDWOOD BABY, causing that horse to be taken in across the rightful running of NOBLE BOY which as a result was checked. J Moreira was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 6 March 2014 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, 23 February 2014. In addition, J Moreira was fined $60,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. Passing the 50 Metres, LUCKY OMENS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of WRATH OF FIRE. Because of this, LUCKY OMENS was not able to be ridden out right to the end of the race. For the majority of the race, RIYADH travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of AMBER DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY OMENS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. HOLMES LEGEND and REDWOOD BABY were sent for sampling.