07/05/2016  Shatin  Race 7

From wide barriers, THE FULL BLOOM and MR POTENTIAL were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, HAPPY COOPERATION was unable to cross into the lead and was obliged to race four wide and without cover throughout the race. HAPPY COOPERATION also became badly unbalanced when bumped by ARIZONA BLIZZARD on the first turn after the 900 Metres and consequently weakened in the Straight. Apprentice K K Chiong (MARVEL TRIBE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1100 Metres she permitted her mount to shift in when not clear of RACING MATE, causing that horse to be hampered and taken in across the rightful running of RAINBOW FIGHTER which was checked. Apprentice Chiong was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 6 June 2016 on which day she may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday, 29 May 2016. In addition, Apprentice Chiong was fined $7,500. Passing the 300 Metres, MR POTENTIAL was shifted out away from HAPPY COOPERATION which was weakening. After the race, K Teetan reported that in the middle stages the bit pulled through CLASSIER's mouth which caused him some inconvenience for the remainder of the race. When questioned, J Moreira stated that ARIZONA BLIZZARD, which was having its first race start in Hong Kong, sweated up and became quite nervous in the Parade Ring prior to the race and also became fractious once loaded in the barriers. He said after beginning fairly, he rode the horse along in order to take up a forward position, however, approaching the first turn ARIZONA BLIZZARD got its head on the side, hung out and bumped heavily with HAPPY COOPERATION and as a consequence became unbalanced. He added ARIZONA BLIZZARD continued to hang out throughout the middle stages and then compounded badly in the Straight. He further stated that, in his view, ARIZONA BLIZZARD's poor performance could be attributed to its inexperience and its fractious nature before the race. A veterinary inspection of ARIZONA BLIZZARD immediately following the race revealed the horse to be displaying post-race distress. The performance of ARIZONA BLIZZARD was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ARIZONA BLIZZARD 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 RACING MATE and HAPPY COOPERATION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ARIZONA BLIZZARD, MARVEL TRIBE and FLYING MOOCHI were sent for sampling.