16/04/2014  Happy Valley  Race 7

VANILLA was crowded for room at the start between FLAME HERO and BEAUTY FLAME which was bumped heavily and taken out by HO IN ONE which shifted out abruptly despite the efforts of its rider. FUN RIDER was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, NOBLE DELUXE was taken across behind runners in the early stages. When being steadied in the early stages, HO IN ONE proved difficult to settle. Passing the 1300 Metres, NOBLE DELUXE commenced to over-race and shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HO IN ONE. Near the 900 Metres, after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of HO IN ONE, NOBLE DELUXE was shifted out and allowed to improve its position to race outside the lead. Apprentice C Y Lui (NOBLE DELUXE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 150 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of FLAME HERO, causing that horse to be crowded for room inside LUCKY DOUBLE EIGHT and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. In this incident, HO IN ONE, which was following FLAME HERO, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse. Apprentice Lui was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday, 11 May 2014 on which day he may resume race riding (4 Hong Kong racedays).  The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday, 27 April 2014. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HYPERSONIC, B Prebble stated that he was able to obtain a good position from an inside barrier and HYPERSONIC initially travelled well. He said however that as far out as the 800 Metres from the finish line, he became concerned with the manner in which HYPERSONIC was travelling as the horse came off the bridle. He said he had to ride his mount along after the 700 Metres in an endeavour to have it maintain its position behind the eventual winner SECRET SHAM, however, despite being ridden along, HYPERSONIC commenced to yield ground and, despite being placed under heavy pressure after the 500 Metres, weakened out of the race noticeably. He added whilst HYPERSONIC did not feel sore, nonetheless the horse did not stretch out comfortably after the 800 Metres and, in his opinion, may not have been comfortable on tonight’s surface. A veterinary inspection of HYPERSONIC immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SECRET SHAM and LUCKY DOUBLE EIGHT were sent for sampling.