23/12/2017  Shatin  Race 1

AMAZING GOLD lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and was slow to begin. On jumping, SAVANNAH WIND shifted in and brushed KING WINSA which in turn bumped HAPPY ROCKY. Soon after the start, PREMIUM CHAMPION was crowded for room between HIT A HOME RUN which shifted in and TOP ACT which shifted out after making contact with LOADED. From wide barriers, HIT A HOME RUN and PREMIUM CHAMPION were steadied in the run to the first turn and shifted across behind runners. On the first turn near the 1800 Metres, EXCELLENCE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOOD FIT when shifting in to obtain a position with cover. At the 950 Metres, GOOD FIT was shifted out from behind FANCY MUSIC to commence a forward move, however, was obliged to race wide and without cover from that point onwards. Passing the 500 Metres, SAVANNAH WIND was bumped by HAPPY ROCKY which shifted out to improve. Apprentice H T Mo (PREMIUM CHAMPION) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 350 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of EXCELLENCE, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. Apprentice Mo was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Monday, 1 January 2018 and to expire on Monday, 8 January 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Apprentice Mo’s good race riding record. After the race, A Badel stated that SAVANNAH WIND travelled only fairly throughout the race, however, did not respond to his riding in the Straight and finished off one-paced. He added that at this stage of its career SAVANNAH WIND may be better suited at the Happy Valley circuit. A veterinary inspection of SAVANNAH WIND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GOOD FIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUM WIN DRAGON and HAPPY ROCKY were sent for sampling.