05/10/2017  Happy Valley  Race 6

RAZOR QUEST was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, QUICK RETURN was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. HEROIC GURU was steadied in the early stages to obtain a position with cover. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, THE SYLPH got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of NITRO EXPRESS (C Schofield) which shifted in when not properly clear. C Schofield was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he gives proper clearance when shifting ground. Passing the 1000 Metres, MASTER GOLD commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of ISHVARA. MASTER GOLD continued to be awkwardly placed behind ISHVARA for a short distance after this. For the majority of the race, GOLDEN SLEEP travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards considered a protest/objection lodged by J Moreira, the rider of the second placed, THE SYLPH, and Mr D E Ferraris, the trainer of that horse, against STAR MAJESTIC (B Prebble), first placegetter, alleging interference passing the 200 Metres. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the videos, it was established that after the 300 Metres THE SYLPH was able to establish running to the inside of STAR MAJESTIC. It was further established that near the 175 Metres THE SYLPH was hampered by STAR MAJESTIC which shifted in. THE SYLPH was then directed to the outside of STAR MAJESTIC passing the 150 Metres, however, when that horse shifted back out under pressure, THE SYLPH was then directed back to the inside of STAR MAJESTIC at the 100 Metres. Having regard to the positioning of the horses near the 175 Metres, the manner in which both horses finished off the race and the three quarter length margin between STAR MAJESTIC and THE SYLPH at the end of the race, the Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that had the interference not occurred THE SYLPH would have beaten STAR MAJESTIC and accordingly the protest/objection was overruled with weighed-in confirmed on the numbers notified by the Judge. At a subsequent inquiry, B Prebble pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 175 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of THE SYLPH, causing that horse to be hampered when unnecessarily crowded for room inside STAR MAJESTIC. B Prebble was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 25 October 2017 and to expire on Monday, 30 October 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Prebble’s good race riding record. STAR MAJESTIC and THE SYLPH were sent for sampling. <6/10/2017 Additional Veterinary Report>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that ISHVARA was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, ISHVARA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.