10/05/2014  Shatin  Race 5

VARA PEARL was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, STAR MAJESTIC was taken across behind runners in the early stages. N Callan (FURIO) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of HEART WOOD, resulting in that horse being taken in onto KINGSTON JUMBO which as a result was taken across the rightful running of RECORD AGAIN, causing that horse to be checked. N Callan was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 16 June 2014 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension shall commence on Friday, 6 June 2014 on which day Jockey Callan was due to resume race riding from a suspension incurred at the Happy Valley racemeeting last Wednesday, 7 May 2014. In addition, N Callan was fined $30,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. After the 1100 Metres, GRAND PLUS commenced to prove difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied away from the heels of GLACIER BLUE. Then making the turn near the 900 Metres, GRAND PLUS shifted out away from the heels of GLACIER BLUE when continuing to prove difficult to settle and in doing so inconvenienced RECORD AGAIN. Also making the turn near the 900 Metres, GOOD FIT was hampered and lost ground when bumped by MONEY CAFE which shifted out when reluctant to maintain its position inside the hindquarters of GRAND PLUS. HELENE FUN STAR lost its right front plate near the 900 Metres. Near the 250 Metres, HEART WOOD was momentarily steadied away from the heels of FURIO which in the Straight hung out under pressure. Approaching the 200 Metres, VARA PEARL was shifted in away from the heels of GLACIER BLUE and then near the 150 Metres was shifted in further away from the heels of HELENE FUN STAR to obtain clear running. For the majority of the race, FIONN’S PRIDE and KINGSTON JUMBO travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of GLACIER BLUE and GOOD FIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VARA PEARL, FURIO and STAR MAJESTIC were sent for sampling.