15/03/2015  Shatin  Race 7

GOLD-FUN began only fairly. From the outside barrier, REWARDING HERO was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1350 Metres, GORDON LORD BYRON became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by ABLE FRIEND which was taken in by GOLD-FUN which in turn was directed in by DUNDONNELL. After the 1100 Metres, GOLD-FUN was bumped and taken wider by GORDON LORD BYRON which shifted out abruptly away from the heels of DUNDONNELL. AMBITIOUS DRAGON, which was following, was checked away from the heels of GOLD-FUN for some distance in consequence. In this incident, AMBITIOUS DRAGON got its head on the side and shifted in abruptly when being checked away from the heels of GOLD-FUN, resulting in REWARDING HERO being hampered. Passing the 800 Metres, AMBITIOUS DRAGON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOLD-FUN. DAN EXCEL had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 350 Metres was struck across the nose by the whip of T Angland (REAL SPECIALIST). J Moreira (ABLE FRIEND) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out, resulting in REAL SPECIALIST being taken out across the rightful running of DAN EXCEL which was checked and further that he permitted his mount to continue to shift out approaching the 200 Metres when not clear of REAL SPECIALIST, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. Having considered the circumstances of this incident and the status of the race, the Stewards believed it was appropriate for J Moreira’s licence to ride in races to be suspended for a period to expire on Monday, 20 April 2015 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Australian Turf Club racemeeting to be conducted at Royal Randwick Racecourse on Saturday, 11 April 2015. In addition, J Moreira was fined $60,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. For the majority of the race, DUNDONNELL travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of AMBITIOUS DRAGON immediately following the race found the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, AMBITIOUS DRAGON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of DIVINE CALLING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ABLE FRIEND and BEAUTY FLAME were sent for sampling.