01/03/2015  Shatin  Race 8

When entering the track, REAL GENEROUS became fractious and made contact with a rail. On arrival at the Start, REAL GENEROUS was examined by the Veterinary Officer and found to be suitable to race. After being loaded, COLOSSUS reared and got its right front leg into the adjoining stall. COLOSSUS was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse had sustained abrasions to the right hind leg during this incident and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of COLOSSUS. Before being allowed to race again, COLOSSUS will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SO CAFFE began only fairly. From a wide barrier, BAAB AL NASR got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied in order to be shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Also from a wide barrier, RED DANCER was shifted cross behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1000 Metres, HAPPY JOURNEY travelled keenly when being steadied to allow JUN HUO (D Whyte) to cross. D Whyte was told to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Near the 950 Metres, KERKENI shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY JOURNEY. Passing the 950 Metres, REAL GENEROUS commenced to prove very difficult to settle and shifted out after getting its head up when being checked away from the heels of RED DANCER. This resulted in REAL GENEROUS being left racing wide and without cover and after the 800 Metres was allowed to improve its position. Approaching the 700 Metres, SIGNPOSTED was checked away from the heels of KERKENI which was awkwardly placed behind HAPPY JOURNEY. For some distance after the 700 Metres, SO CAFFE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SIGNPOSTED. JOLLY GENE was unable to obtain clear running from passing the 300 Metres until near the 100 Metres. Near the 200 Metres, HAPPY JOURNEY was checked when crowded for room between CELESTIAL SMILE which initially shifted out slightly and KERKENI (O Doleuze) which got its head on the side and shifted in away from RENAISSANCE ART which shifted in when improving past KERKENI. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that there were a number of circumstances associated with this incident, nonetheless O Doleuze was advised to ensure that, wherever possible, he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, GOODHEART SUCCESS was held up for clear running. After the 200 Metres, SO CAFFE and RED DANCER raced tight and consequently bumped near the 100 Metres. SO CAFFE and RED DANCER then raced tight over the concluding stages. M L Yeung (GOODHEART SUCCESS) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 150 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of HAPPY PLACE, causing that horse to be checked when badly crowded for room. M L Yeung was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 19 March 2015 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 11 March 2015. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Jockey Yeung’s good race riding record during the most recent 2013/2014 and current racing seasons. Near the 50 Metres, REAL GENEROUS and CELESTIAL SMILE bumped. REAL GENEROUS then got its head on the side over the concluding stages and raced tight outside JUN HUO. Because of this, REAL GENEROUS was not able to be fully tested. RENAISSANCE ART and CELESTIAL SMILE were sent for sampling.