29/05/2016  Shatin  Race 2

BLAZING PASS was slow to begin. REUNITED was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was bumped by TRIBAL GLORY which shifted out. REUNITED then became unbalanced, shifted out and made heavy contact with the hindquarters of MI SAVVY BOY, causing both horses to become unbalanced. Passing the 1000 Metres, STARRY STARLIES got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOLD TARTINI. For some distance after the 800 Metres, GOOD METHOD was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TRIBAL GLORY. After the 500 Metres, GOOD METHOD and GOLD TARTINI raced tight. Passing the 350 Metres, GOLD TARTINI got its head on the side, lay in and bumped GOOD METHOD which in turn shifted in and raced tight outside JOY TOGETHER. J Moreira (GOLD TARTINI) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 250 Metres he failed to make sufficient endeavour to prevent his mount from shifting in which resulted in GOOD METHOD being bumped and taken in across the rightful running of JOY TOGETHER which was checked. J Moreira was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 16 June 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 Thursday, 9 June 2016. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account J Moreira's good race riding record. After this, GOLD TARTINI continued to race with its head on the side and lay in. For the majority of the race, MY FOLKS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Apprentice K K Chiong (JOY TOGETHER) stated that having been instructed to take up a forward position, she rode her mount along out of the barriers. She said after travelling some distance JOY TOGETHER did not have sufficient speed to be as far forward as hoped as horses to the outside of JOY TOGETHER, namely ACE KING and GOOD METHOD clearly showed more speed than JOY TOGETHER in the early stages. She said after being crossed by GOOD METHOD, she positioned JOY TOGETHER slightly to the outside of that horse as she anticipated that GOOD METHOD might be shifted to the rail which would have provided her with the opportunity to improve to that horse's outside. She added near the 1000 Metres it appeared that GOOD METHOD was going to be shifted in and she rode her mount along in order to take advantage of the position one horse off the rail if GOOD METHOD did shift in. She said however that GOOD METHOD remained racing one horse off the rail and this resulted in JOY TOGETHER racing to the outside of that horse and in a three wide position without cover. Apprentice Chiong was advised that her explanation would be reported, however, she must, wherever circumstances permit, ensure that her mounts are able to save ground so that they can finish off their race as best as they are able. A veterinary inspection of JOY TOGETHER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of ALWAYS WONGCHOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of TRIBAL GLORY immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a small wound to the right hind leg. GOOD METHOD, BLAZING PASS and MI SAVVY BOY were sent for sampling. <30/5/2016 Additional Veterinary Report>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that GOLD TARTINI was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, GOLD TARTINI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.