14/10/2017  Shatin  Race 10

BRING IT ON, WORLD RECORD and GENERAL DINO were all steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Also from a wide barrier, MIGHTY MAVERICK was steadied shortly after the start and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. After the 1200 Metres, PRETTY BAUHINIA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY AGILITY. After the 900 Metres, PRETTY BAUHINIA was left racing wide and without cover. WORLD RECORD was badly held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 350 Metres was checked away from the heels of BRAVE LEGEND. SUNNY WAY (T Berry) was held up for clear running passing the 300 Metres. T Berry stated that after this SUNNY WAY appeared to shorten stride and he felt that the horse may have knocked itself when being held up. He said however after the race the horse appeared sound in its action. A veterinary inspection of SUNNY WAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. C Schofield, the rider of 5th placegetter, SILVERFIELD, pleaded guilty to a charge of having failed to ride his mount out to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stewards [Rule 100(2)]. In the circumstances, particularly having in mind the narrow margin between the 4th placing and the 5th placing, the Stewards considered the appropriate penalty was for C Schofield’s licence to ride in races be suspended for a period to commence on Sunday, 29 October 2017 and to expire on Thursday, 2 November 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). When questioned, Apprentice M F Poon stated that he had been asked to attempt to lead if possible without riding the horse too hard as KINGSFIELD had previously been able to race well when ridden in this manner. He said the pace of the race, even allowing for the tail wind, was fast in the early stages and as REGENCY BO BO and CARE FREE PRINCE were being hard ridden outside KINGSFIELD, he considered it was in the best interests of KINGSFIELD to steady the horse after the 1300 Metres and allow REGENCY BO BO and CARE FREE PRINCE to cross KINGSFIELD which would provide him with the opportunity to then improve his position to race outside the leader. He added that if he were to continue to ride KINGSFIELD along to prevent REGENCY BO BO from crossing, KINGSFIELD would have been under pressure for some distance and this would have resulted in the tempo continuing to be quick which would not have afforded KINGSFIELD the opportunity to finish off the race. Apprentice Poon’s explanation was accepted. Z Purton (FAST MOST FURIOUS) stated that at the entrance to the Straight he was racing behind PRETTY BAUHINIA. He said at this time there was not a run available to the outside of that horse as SILVERFIELD was racing directly to the outside of FAST MOST FURIOUS and as that horse was travelling very well and had an advantage over FAST MOST FURIOUS, it was not available for him to create a run between PRETTY BAUHINIA and SILVERFIELD. He added he therefore elected to shift to the inside of PRETTY BAUHINIA and approaching the 300 Metres FAST MOST FURIOUS and BRAVE LEGEND raced tight as FAST MOST FURIOUS shifted to the inside of PRETTY BAUHINIA in an attempt to obtain clear running. He said FAST MOST FURIOUS was then unable to obtain clear running and for some distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres was steadied when unable to proceed into tight running between PRETTY BAUHINIA and HAPPY AGILITY and consequently FAST MOST FURIOUS was not able to be properly tested. A veterinary inspection of A BEAUTIFUL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SILVERFIELD immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a wound to the outside of the right front fetlock. Before being allowed to race again, SILVERFIELD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FAST MOST FURIOUS, REGENCY BO BO and KINGSFIELD were sent for sampling.