25/01/2017  Happy Valley  Race 2

SAFARI MAGIC was withdrawn on 24.1.17 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore left fore medial suspensory) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter MASTER PINNACLE (A Badel). Before being allowed to race again, SAFARI MAGIC will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CHARITY PLENTY shifted out at the start and hampered MEDIC SWORDSMAN. From a wide barrier, HIGH SPEED METRO was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From the outside barrier, SPEEDY WALLY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages in order to obtain cover. Then passing the winning post on the first occasion, SPEEDY WALLY was left racing wide and without cover and after the 1200 Metres was allowed to stride forward into the lead approaching the 1000 Metres. Approaching the 1300 Metres, MEDIC SWORDSMAN (Apprentice K K Chiong) shifted out when being checked away from the heels of CHARITY PLENTY. When MEDIC SWORDSMAN shifted out, HIGH SPEED METRO improved its position to be racing tight inside MEDIC SWORDSMAN and outside MONEY MAN. A short distance later, HIGH SPEED METRO and MONEY MAN were checked when crowded for room inside MEDIC SWORDSMAN which shifted back in. Apprentice Chiong was given the benefit of the doubt in respect of this incident in that the Stewards were of the view that whilst MEDIC SWORDSMAN did shift out, it was only momentarily and that HIGH SPEED METRO improved its position into tight running inside MEDIC SWORDSMAN. Nonetheless Apprentice Chiong was reprimanded and advised to ensure that she exercises due care when shifting ground. The Stewards issued a charge of careless riding against Apprentice Chiong in that passing the 1200 Metres she permitted MEDIC SWORDSMAN to shift in when not clear of HIGH SPEED METRO, causing that horse to be severely checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. Prior to entering a plea, Apprentice Chiong submitted a request for the matter to be adjourned so that her allocated trainer, Mr K W Lui, could be present. The Stewards acceded to the request and adjourned the matter until prior to the running of the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Monday, 30 January 2017. For some distance after the 1200 Metres, ATOMIC BLAST was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHOICE EXCHEQUER. Near the 1000 Metres, MIGHTY WONGCHOY was left racing wide and without cover. After the 600 Metres, MIGHTY WONGCHOY came under pressure, got its head on the side and lay in. Approaching the 500 Metres, HIGH SPEED METRO was shifted out away from the heels of CHARITY PLENTY and bumped MEDIC SWORDSMAN. Rounding the Home Turn, MASTER PINNACLE was bumped by HIGH SPEED METRO which shifted out away from the heels of MIGHTY WONGCHOY to obtain clear running. Near the 250 Metres, BLISS CARTEL momentarily raced tight inside SPEEDY WALLY. A veterinary inspection of MONEY MAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MONEY MAN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MONEY MAN 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 CHOICE EXCHEQUER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SPEEDY WALLY, DUTCH WINDMILL and BLISS CARTEL were sent for sampling.