25/01/2015  Shatin  Race 3

M Guyon (CONFUCIUS ELITE), O Doleuze (SUNSHINE KID) and C Y Ho (JUST PLEASANT) were each fined the sum of $2,000 for failing to present themselves in the Parade Ring by the required time. JUST PLEASANT was slow to begin. HARBOUR DELIGHT began awkwardly and lost ground at the start. After this, HARBOUR DELIGHT was shifted across behind runners. HELLO KIMBERLEY began awkwardly and then bumped with MODERN FORTUNE at the start. HELLO KIMBERLEY then shifted in and made contact with SUNSHINE KID which became unbalanced. Approaching the 600 Metres, KINGSTON JUMBO shifted out away from the heels of HORSE SUPREMO after being awkwardly placed behind that horse, resulting in REAL FIT being hampered and taken wider. CHEERS VICTORIES, which was following REAL FIT, was steadied in consequence. H W Lai (BE THERE AHEAD) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that rounding the Home Turn and at the entrance to the Straight he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of CONFUCIUS ELITE, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. H W Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday, 22 February 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 Saturday, 7 February 2015. Z Purton (HELLO KIMBERLEY) stated that he rode his mount along in the early stages to take up a forward position as instructed, however, HELLO KIMBERLEY did not show any early speed. He said after being required to race back in the field, HELLO KIMBERLEY appeared to resent the kickback and did not stride out comfortably at any stage. A veterinary inspection of HELLO KIMBERLEY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of REAL FIT, D Whyte stated that the horse did not show the same early speed that it did at its most recent start when ridden by him. He said he had to make considerable use of REAL FIT in the early stages to obtain a forward position. He said rounding the first turn he attempted to improve around KINGSTON JUMBO to prevent that horse from shifting out, however, he was unable to do so and near the 600 Metres REAL FIT became unbalanced when taken wider by KINGSTON JUMBO which shifted out away from the heels of HORSE SUPREMO. He said after this REAL FIT continued to race off the bridle, however, in his opinion, the concerning aspect of REAL FIT’s run today was the way that it weakened badly out of the race over the final 200 Metres which gave him the indication that REAL FIT may have been suffering from an internal issue as he was not able to detect any obvious lameness with the horse. A veterinary inspection of REAL FIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of REAL FIT was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, REAL FIT 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, O Doleuze stated that SUNSHINE KID began awkwardly and shortly after the start stumbled which gave him the impression that the horse may have overreached and struck itself as it lost its right front plate in this incident. He said after this, despite being ridden along, SUNSHINE KID did not stretch out and remained detached from the field for the majority of the race. A veterinary inspection of SUNSHINE KID immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SUNSHINE KID, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUNSHINE KID will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. KINGSTON JUMBO and HORSE SUPREMO were sent for sampling. <26/1/2015 Additional Veterinary Report>SUNSHINE KID, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. SUNSHINE KID was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C W Chang this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. As previously advised, SUNSHINE KID will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.