03/04/2016  Shatin  Race 2

HEAR THE ROAR, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 2.4.16 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind foot). Before being allowed to race again, HEAR THE ROAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After arriving at the Parade Ring, it was noted that FAITHFUL BOY had shifted its left front plate. This plate was refitted. FAITHFUL BOY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. On arrival at the Start, the nose band fitted to GREAT SPEED was adjusted. KING BOUNTIFUL was slow to begin and then in the early stages became detached from the field. Shortly after the start, INNOVATIVE WINNER shifted in and bumped SUPERKING DRAGON. Passing the 1200 Metres, MALAYAN PEARL raced tight inside FAITHFUL BOY which was ridden hard to maintain its position when being crossed by GLORY STAR. Approaching the 1100 Metres, ZACHARY was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 1000 Metres, FAITHFUL BOY got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied away from the heels of GLORY STAR. Approaching the 700 Metres, FANTASTICLIFE was taken wider into a position without cover by ENCHANTING DIAMOND which shifted out to follow UNIQUE JOYOUS. Passing the 400 Metres, ALL TIMES LUCKY was disappointed for running between GLORY STAR and FAITHFUL BOY. Passing the 300 Metres, FAITHFUL BOY was inconvenienced by GLORY STAR which shifted out under pressure. C Schofield (INNOVATIVE WINNER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 250 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of FOREST COLOURS, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. C Schofield was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 21 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, 13 April 2016. In addition, C Schofield was fined $35,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that FOREST COLOURS and INNOVATIVE WINNER had initially raced tight inside ALL TIMES LUCKY which shifted in prior to the 250 Metres. When questioned, B Prebble (FOREST COLOURS) stated that, from barrier 2, he rode his mount along in the early stages to have it as forward as possible, however, FOREST COLOURS was somewhat reluctant to stretch out. He said approaching the 1200 Metres he was required to ride aggressively on FOREST COLOURS in an endeavour to have it improve its position to be racing closer behind INNOVATIVE WINNER. He said this resulted in the horse then travelling more comfortably in the middle stages, however, when the pace of the race quickened after the 500 Metres, FOREST COLOURS immediately came under pressure. He added whilst FOREST COLOURS suffered interference near the 250 Metres, the horse was responding only fairly to his riding and after striking interference then gave ground over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of FOREST COLOURS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FAITHFUL BOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ENCHANTING DIAMOND immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse's trachea. HOLY STAR, UNIQUE JOYOUS and INNOVATIVE WINNER were sent for sampling.