14/12/2014  Shatin  Race 9

WINNING TALENT was crowded for room on jumping between PACKING PINS and STAR TRACK which shifted in. From the outside barrier, LONGWAH AMBER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 1300 Metres, RADIANT BUNNY got its head up when being steadied. After the 800 Metres, STAR TRACK and PACKING PINS raced tight as a result of PACKING PINS (N Callan) shifting out from behind KYNAM after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. N Callan was advised that whilst it was evident that PACKING PINS had been racing close to the heels of KYNAM in the lead up to this incident, nonetheless he must exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Near the 750 Metres, GIANT TREASURE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of STAR TRACK. LONGWAH AMBER, which was following, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of GIANT TREASURE in consequence. Z Purton (STAR TRACK) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 350 Metres he directed his mount inwards when not clear of PACKING PINS, resulting in STAR TRACK shifting in and making contact with PACKING PINS, causing that horse to blunder when taken in onto the heels of THANKSGIVING. Z Purton was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 8 January 2015 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, 28 December 2014. Throughout the race, KA YING KID travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of WINDICATOR STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of WINDICATOR STAR, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WINDICATOR STAR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GIANT TREASURE and PACKING PINS were sent for sampling.