21/11/2015  Shatin  Race 2

After being loaded, FRIENDS FOREVER became fractious. FRIENDS FOREVER was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, FRIENDS FOREVER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. MASTER COMMANDER, which was fractious in the barriers, lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and lost ground. AMAZING ALWAYS was bumped on jumping by REAL SUPREME which shifted in after being bumped by FRIENDS FOREVER. Shortly after the start, MELLIFLUENT became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by AMAZING ALWAYS. From the outside barrier, DRAGON HARMONY was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. N Callan (HARD BALL GET) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of UNIQUE AWESOME, causing that horse to be checked away from the heels of HARD BALL GET and shift in across the rightful running of VARA PEARL which was severely checked when crowded for room. N Callan was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 24 December 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, 13 December 2015. Passing the 800 Metres, MASTER COMMANDER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HARD BALL GET. Near the 250 Metres, AMAZING ALWAYS was directed to the inside of FRIENDS FOREVER which shifted out under pressure in advance of AMAZING ALWAYS. Approaching the 150 Metres, GOLDEN PARTNERS was checked when crowded for room between REAL SUPREME and AMAZING ALWAYS which shifted in after initially being directed in by FRIENDS FOREVER (G Benoist) which shifted in under pressure before being directed out relieve the tightening to its inside. G Benoist was reprimanded and advised that he has an obligation to stop riding and straighten his mounts as soon as they commence to shift ground. Near the 50 Metres, STEP HIGH was steadied away from the heels of HARD BALL GET which shifted in under pressure. N Callan was advised to ensure that he stops riding and straightens his mounts when they shift ground. For the majority of the race, HAPPY CHAMPION travelled wide and without cover. MAGICAL BEAUTY and HARD BALL GET were sent for sampling.