01/01/2016  Shatin  Race 3

HOT HOT PEPPER, which was difficult to load, became fractious in the barriers, resulting in the back gates opening. HOT HOT PEPPER was then removed from the barriers and again proved difficult to reload. Before being allowed to race again, HOT HOT PEPPER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. A FAST ONE began only fairly. CRIMSON GLORY was crowded for room on jumping between HOT HOT PEPPER and MASTER PINNACLE which began awkwardly and shifted in. In this incident, HOT HOT PEPPER became unbalanced after being bumped by CRIMSON GLORY. CLEVER SPIRIT lost its left front plate in the early stages. Near the 950 Metres, CRIMSON GLORY momentarily raced tight outside HOT HOT PEPPER which shifted out when racing greenly. Approaching the 900 Metres, NOBLE BUDDIES was checked when crowded for room between HORSE SUPREMO which shifted in and HOT HOT PEPPER which continued to race greenly and lay out. Passing the 700 Metres, MALMSTEEN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GREAT EAGLE. After the 600 Metres, HOT HOT PEPPER again got its head on the side and lay out. Passing the 500 Metres, MASTER PINNACLE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HORSE SUPREMO. Passing the 400 Metres, GREAT EAGLE raced tight between DOUBLE MASTER and SOLAR GAGA, resulting in GREAT EAGLE bumping the hindquarters of SOLAR GAGA which became unbalanced and shifted out, causing GREAT EAGLE to be buffeted for room inside DOUBLE MASTER. This resulted in DOUBLE MASTER being bumped by GREAT EAGLE and shifting out towards the heels of MALMSTEEN. J Moreira (TOP BONUS) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 750 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not sufficiently clear of HORSE SUPREMO, causing that horse to be checked and to become badly unbalanced when losing its rightful running. When HORSE SUPREMO was checked, HOT HOT PEPPER, which was following, was badly hampered and CRIMSON GLORY was inconvenienced in consequence. In the circumstances, the Stewards ruled that the appropriate penalty was for J Moreira's licence to ride in races to be suspended for a period to expire on Thursday, 14 January 2016 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension is to take immediate effect. Approaching the 100 Metres, SOLAR GAGA, which was commencing to give ground, momentarily raced tight between GREAT EAGLE and SEA WARRIOR which shifted out. Over the final 50 Metres, A FAST ONE raced tight between NOBLE BUDDIES and HOT HOT PEPPER. A veterinary inspection of CLEVER SPIRIT and SOLAR GAGA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NOBLE BUDDIES, MALMSTEEN and TOP BONUS were sent for sampling.