05/06/2014  Happy Valley  Race 3

FIGHTING BOY and BETTER ANNOUNCE bumped at the start. From the outside barrier, OWNERS’ GLORY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Also shortly after the start, DRAGON FIGHTER was steadied away from the heels of BALTIC WARRIOR which shifted out. Passing the 1200 Metres, SECRET AGENT got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of BALTIC WARRIOR. Apprentice K C Ng (HELENE FUN STAR) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of HOW SPEEDY, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled.  Apprentice Ng was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Wednesday, 2 July 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, 22 June 2014. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Apprentice Ng’s circumstances during this season. FIGHTING BOY had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 250 Metres shifted out and bumped BETTER ANNOUNCE. Over the concluding stages, DRAGON FIGHTER and FIGHTING BOY raced tight. Throughout the race, HELENE FUN STAR travelled very wide and without cover. The performance of BEAUTY AHEAD, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BEAUTY AHEAD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, B Prebble stated that he had been asked to ride BETTER ANNOUNCE in a forward position. He said he was not given any instructions on whether the horse should lead but rather to be positive on the horse and obtain the best position. He said after riding his mount along in the early stages to cross runners to his inside, he attempted to obtain a position with cover behind BALTIC WARRIOR approaching the winning post on the first occasion. He said when he was left racing outside BALTIC WARRIOR, he then expected that horse would go forward and lead, however, SUPREME FALCON, after initially appearing as though it was going to allow BALTIC WARRIOR to cross near the 1300 Metres, then continued on to hold its position inside that horse which left BALTIC WARRIOR racing in a one-off position and causing BETTER ANNOUNCE to be left racing three wide and without cover. He added the pace of the race at this time was fair and he did not believe that BETTER ANNOUNCE had sufficient speed to be able to be ridden forward sufficiently to cross runners to his inside and obtain the lead. He added at the entrance to the Back Straight he attempted to ride BETTER ANNOUNCE along to see if it could obtain a more forward position, however, BETTER ANNOUNCE came under pressure and accordingly he was not able to improve his position. He said approaching the 900 Metres BEAUTY AHEAD improved its position to be racing tight inside BETTER ANNOUNCE and he had to ride his mount along to clear that horse, however, BETTER ANNOUNCE, after travelling wide and without cover, came under pressure prior to the 500 Metres and in the Straight compounded badly. A veterinary inspection of BETTER ANNOUNCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, Z Purton reported that ONE OF A KIND did not stretch out properly, particularly when placed under pressure. A veterinary inspection of ONE OF A KIND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HOW SPEEDY immediately following the race revealed the horse to be lame in its right hind leg. The performances of HOW SPEEDY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HOW SPEEDY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOOD CHOICE and OWNERS’ GLORY were sent for sampling. <6/6/2014 Additional Veterinary Reports >The Veterinary Officer reported that HELENE FUN STAR was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, HELENE FUN STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.