08/11/2015  Shatin  Race 4

HOXO proved very difficult to load. Having regard to HOXO's history at the barriers, the Stewards ruled that that horse will be required to undergo a series of consecutive barrier trials prior to its next race start. After being loaded, CONSISTENT became fractious, reared and got its left front leg initially over the front gate before getting over into the adjoining stall. CONSISTENT was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, CONSISTENT was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, CONSISTENT will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. As the start was effected, CARTOON FAY FAY lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. HOXO began very awkwardly and shortly after the start, from a wide barrier, was shifted across behind runners. Apprentice K K Chiong (JOLLY GOOD STAR) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 1300 Metres she permitted her mount to shift in when not clear of G-ONE LEADER, causing that horse to be unnecessarily crowded for room and checked and in turn taken in onto CLASSIC JEWELLERY which was hampered. Having in mind that Apprentice Chiong is not currently approved to ride at Happy Valley, the Stewards decided the appropriate penalty was for her licence to ride in races to be suspended for a period to commence on Thursday, 19 November 2015 and to expire on Monday, 30 November 2015 on which day she may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In that time, there are two racemeetings scheduled to be conducted at Sha Tin Racecourse. After the 1000 Metres, HAPPY MOMENTS was left racing wide and without cover. At the 500 Metres, EXPEDITE got its head up when being checked away from the heels of G-ONE LEADER which was commencing to give ground. Near the 350 Metres, IMPERIAL CONCORDE was steadied when disappointed for running between ELEGANCE KLAMMER and EXPEDITE which shifted out. Near the 150 Metres, CARTOON FAY FAY was awkwardly placed outside the heels of CLASSIC JEWELLERY when improving into tight running between that horse and GRAND PLUS. Over the concluding stages, CARTOON FAY FAY was unable to be ridden out and was hampered due to being taken out by CLASSIC JEWELLERY (D Whyte) which shifted out under pressure. D Whyte was severely reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mount. GRAND PLUS, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence. A veterinary inspection of IMPERIAL CONCORDE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CARTOON FAY FAY, CLASSIC JEWELLERY and SUPERKING DRAGON were sent for sampling.