17/12/2017  Shatin  Race 10

Whilst in the saddling stalls, ZILONG had its left front plate refitted. ZILONG was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. ZILONG and LIMITLESS began only fairly. BABA MAMA and PENANG HALL bumped heavily on jumping. When being steadied to obtain cover from a wide barrier, HAPPY AGILITY got its head up, shifted out and bumped DOCTOR GEOFF. From the outside barrier, WORLD RECORD was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, PINGWU SPARK and GOOD STANDING raced tight. After the 1000 Metres, LIMITLESS commenced to travel keenly when awkwardly placed close to the heels of LITTLE DRAGON. Also after the 1000 Metres, DOCTOR GEOFF was left racing wide and without cover and making the turn near the 900 Metres became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by PENANG HALL. PINGWU SPARK was held up for clear running from on straightening until passing the 200 Metres. K C Leung (PINGWU SPARK) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 100 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount from shifting out, resulting in PINGWU SPARK making heavy contact with EASTERN EXPRESS, causing that horse to become badly unbalanced and taken out onto BABA MAMA, causing BABA MAMA to be inconvenienced and EASTERN EXPRESS to be badly hampered. K C Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 27 December 2017 and to expire on Tuesday, 2 January 2018 which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Leung’s good race riding record. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on PENANG HALL at the request of Trainer D J Hall. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, PENANG HALL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of ZILONG immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PINGWU SPARK and HAPPY AGILITY were sent for sampling.