25/02/2015  Happy Valley  Race 4

YOU ARE THE ONE was withdrawn on 24.2.15 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (inappetence) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter PAKISTAN BABY. Before being allowed to race again, YOU ARE THE ONE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FAST AND FURIOUS was checked shortly after the start when crowded for room between AZTEC EMPIRE and BRIGHT STAR which shifted out. In this incident, FAST AND FURIOUS made heavy contact with the hindquarters of AZTEC EMPIRE, causing that horse to become badly unbalanced. JOYFUL THE GREAT was badly crowded for room on jumping between PEACE COMBINATION and CRAIG’S FORTUNE which shifted out. Shortly after the start, GENUINE CHAMPION and FLYING RED were checked when crowded for room between GRIMMY and PAKISTAN BABY which began awkwardly and shifted in. After this, FLYING RED, from a wide barrier, was shifted across behind runners. PAKISTAN BABY lost its right hind plate passing the 1000 Metres. Near the 1050 Metres, FAST AND FURIOUS lost ground when reluctant to maintain its position inside GENUINE CHAMPION. Then again making the turn after the 1000 Metres, FAST AND FURIOUS became unbalanced after shifting in and brushing the running rail of its own accord. Near the 750 Metres, PAKISTAN BABY got its head on the side and hung in despite the efforts of its rider, resulting in FAST AND FURIOUS having to be checked. After this, PAKISTAN BABY continued to hang in. Near the 550 Metres, PEACE COMBINATION was awkwardly placed close to the heels of AZTEC EMPIRE. A Suborics (SMART DECLARATION) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that over the concluding stages he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of GENUINE CHAMPION, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. A Suborics was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday 26 March 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, 15 March 2015. In addition, A Suborics was fined $10,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. Throughout the race, JOYFUL THE GREAT travelled wide and without cover and approaching the 400 Metres slipped and became badly unbalanced. After the race, Z Purton (CRAIG’S FORTUNE) stated that after beginning well he was able to take up a forward position without having to make too much use of the horse. He said after shifting in to race outside the leader SMART DECLARATION making the turn near the 1000 Metres, CRAIG’S FORTUNE travelled satisfactorily, however, came under pressure when JOYFUL THE GREAT improved to the outside of CRAIG’S FORTUNE after the 700 Metres. He added after this, despite being ridden along, CRAIG’S FORTUNE was reluctant to maintain its position and in the Straight gave ground noticeably. A veterinary inspection of CRAIG’S FORTUNE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CRAIG’S FORTUNE, one of the favoured runners, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CRAIG’S FORTUNE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after the race, the Stewards directed for Club Officials to inspect the relevant area. The Stewards deemed the track satisfactory to continue after some minor remedial work was performed on the relevant section of the track. A veterinary inspection of JOYFUL THE GREAT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BRIGHT STAR and SEA RUBY were sent for sampling. <26/2/2015 Additional Veterinary Report>JOYFUL THE GREAT, which slipped and became badly unbalanced approaching the 400 Metres, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. JOYFUL THE GREAT was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A Lee this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, JOYFUL THE GREAT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.