15/02/2015  Shatin  Race 8

TRAVEL RENYI was badly crowded for room on jumping between MODERN TSAR and TERRIFIC MASTER, causing all three horses to become badly unbalanced. In this incident, TERRIFIC MASTER shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of MIGHTY EQUUS which also became unbalanced. OUR GENERATION began awkwardly and shortly after the start was shifted across behind runners. Also from wide barriers, STRATHEARN, BERLINI and YOUNG WATCHMAN were taken across behind the field in the early stages. At the 1100 Metres, THUNDER FLYER lost its right front plate. In the early and middle stages, BERLINI travelled keenly and proved very difficult to settle. Near the 650 Metres, MIGHTY EQUUS and DR GOOD HABIT bumped. Then approaching the 600 Metres, MIGHTY EQUUS shifted out and made contact with the hindquarters of DR GOOD HABIT which became unbalanced and shifted ground, resulting in MIGHTY EQUUS being hampered and shifting in, causing ULTIMATE GLORY to be momentarily crowded for room. Approaching the 500 Metres, MODERN TSAR and CHATER LEGEND raced tight as MODERN TSAR attempted to shift out. At the 300 Metres, DR GOOD HABIT and ULTIMATE GLORY bumped. Throughout the race, DR GOOD HABIT travelled wide and without cover. M Guyon, the rider of 4th placegetter, CHATER LEGEND, pleaded guilty to a charge of having failed to ride his mount out all the way to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stewards [Rule 100(2)]. In the circumstances, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was for M Guyon’s licence to ride in races to be suspended for a period to expire on Monday, 2 March 2015 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension is to take immediate effect. In addition, M Guyon was fined $40,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. When questioned, B Prebble stated that THUNDER FLYER came under heavy pressure after the 600 Metres when DR GOOD HABIT improved to its outside. He said when placed under pressure THUNDER FLYER weakened noticeably in the Straight and, in his opinion, did not feel comfortable in its action. A veterinary inspection of THUNDER FLYER immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of THUNDER FLYER, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, THUNDER FLYER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of BERLINI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. DR GOOD HABIT and RADIANT BUNNY were sent for sampling.