20/01/2016  Happy Valley  Race 2

CHANCELLOR shifted out at the start and bumped GOLD TALENT. GOLD TALENT was then steadied shortly after the start when crowded for room between CHANCELLOR and DIAMOND FRIENDS, both of which shifted ground. Also shortly after the start, ANIMATION MASTER was steadied away from the heels of SILVER DRAGON which drifted out. From wide barriers, THE SYLPH and CLASSIC JEWELLERY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, CHANCELLOR was steadied after racing in restricted room between DIAMOND FRIENDS and SILVER DRAGON which got its head on the side and shifted out away from GRACEFUL KINGDOM which shifted out. N Callan (BALTIC WARRIOR) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of DIAMOND FRIENDS, causing CHANCELLOR to be crowded for room and hampered and in turn taken in across the rightful running of ANIMATION MASTER which was severely checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. N Callan was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 18 February 2016 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 Saturday, 6 February 2016. Near the 450 Metres, KING'S STEED became unbalanced when crowded for room between DIAMOND FRIENDS and REAL SUPREME which got its head on the side and lay in. As the Stewards were satisfied that there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. Rounding the Home Turn, REAL SUPREME, which was commencing to give ground, raced tight between BALTIC WARRIOR and KING'S STEED which shifted out. At the 250 Metres, CLASSIC JEWELLERY was shifted out away from the heels of THE SYLPH to obtain clear running. Then passing the 200 Metres, CLASSIC JEWELLERY was then shifted out further away from the heels of KING'S STEED. Mr K W Lui, trainer of HAYHAY, advised that as the horse was stepping up to the 1650 Metres tonight and had drawn the outside barrier, it was decided to ride the horse quietly in the early stages as it was felt that this would provide it with the best opportunity to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of ANIMATION MASTER and GOLD TALENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GRACEFUL KINGDOM had sustained a small cut to the left hind heel. SILVER DRAGON and GRACEFUL KINGDOM were sent for sampling.