13/03/2016  Shatin  Race 10

From the outside barrier, MODERN TSAR was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. K C Leung (SOUL ACHIEVER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of CITRON SPIRIT, resulting in that horse being taken across the rightful running of CHATER LEGEND which was crowded for room and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. K C Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Friday, 1 April 2016 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 23 March 2016. In addition, K C Leung was fined $17,500 being half of his average daily earnings in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. Near the 550 Metres, CITRON SPIRIT became unbalanced when awkwardly placed close to the heels of WICKED WINDICATOR and shifted out and bumped CHATER LEGEND. GOOD CHOICE, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of CITRON SPIRIT in consequence. At the entrance to the Straight, M Chadwick (GOOD CHOICE) dropped his right rein. Near the 200 Metres, CHATER LEGEND got its head on the side and shifted in under pressure. CIRCUIT FORTUNE was held up for clear running approaching and passing the 200 Metres. Then over the concluding stages, CIRCUIT FORTUNE was again unable to obtain clear running and consequently was not able to be ridden out to the end of the race. Throughout the race, ENORMOUS HONOUR travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, C Schofield stated that he had been asked to ride HONEST HORSE in a forward position if possible. He said it was explained to him that the horse had not begun well in a number of recent starts and he was asked to give it a good warm up behind the barriers in order to assist it to jump well today. He said in accordance with his instructions he trotted the horse up behind the barriers, however, as the start was effected HONEST HORSE lifted its front feet off the ground and was consequently slow to begin. He added he rode HONEST HORSE vigorously in the early stages in an endeavour to have it obtain a more forward position, however, HONEST HORSE did not show any early speed and consequently raced in a position behind midfield. He said HONEST HORSE travelled only fairly in the run and then in the Straight hung in under pressure and proved difficult to ride. He said he rode the horse along to improve inside DILLY in the early part of the Straight, however, that horse shifted ground on a number of occasions and as HONEST HORSE was hanging in, he was not able to get the horse to improve to be racing inside DILLY. He further stated that over the concluding stages HONEST HORSE only managed to pass some well beaten runners and was particularly disappointing. A veterinary inspection of HONEST HORSE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of HONEST HORSE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HONEST HORSE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SOUL ACHIEVER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HONEST HORSE, SUPER LEADER and ENORMOUS HONOUR were sent for sampling.