01/11/2017  Shatin  Race 4

NICE FANDANGO shifted in at the start and bumped MEGA TREASURE, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. DIAMOND LEGEND was crowded for room on jumping between BEEKELY and RESPECT, both of which shifted ground. After this, DIAMOND LEGEND was shifted across behind runners. From a wide barrier, ENDEARING was shifted across behind the field in the early stages to obtain cover. Z Purton (PICK NUMBER ONE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of VIVA COUNCIL, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. Z Purton was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 8 November 2017 and to expire on Sunday, 12 November 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Purton’s good race riding record. Near the 800 Metres, BOND ELEGANCE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of VIVA COUNCIL. At the entrance to the Straight, BOND ELEGANCE was taken outwards after being bumped by CONFUCIUS SPIRIT (U Rispoli) which shifted out in an attempt to obtain clear running. U Rispoli was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Over the final 100 Metres, ENDEARING got its head on the side and lay out under pressure. In the Straight, VIVA COUNCIL lay out under pressure. When questioned regarding the performance of BEEKELY, Apprentice M F Poon stated that, in his opinion, the tempo of the race in the early stages was quicker than it was at its last start when the horse was able to travel more comfortably. He said BEEKELY did not travel as strongly in tonight’s race as it did last start and came under pressure prior to the Home Turn. He said after racing outside the eventual winner PICK NUMBER ONE throughout the race, that horse quickened at the entrance to the Straight whereas BEEKELY came under heavy pressure and then, despite being ridden out, was disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground. He added at its last start BEEKELY performed well on a track which appeared to be suiting horses which were ridden up on the speed. A veterinary inspection of BEEKELY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CONFUCIUS SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PICK NUMBER ONE and ENDEARING were sent for sampling.