23/12/2017  Shatin  Race 10

SACRED IBIS began only fairly. HAPPY JOURNEY began awkwardly, resulting in its rider, K C Ng, becoming unbalanced. As a consequence, HAPPY JOURNEY then shifted in, resulting in APOLLO’S CHOICE being hampered when crowded onto CALCULATION which was also inconvenienced. MCQUEEN began awkwardly and made contact with YOUNG EMPIRE. From wide barriers, SACRED IBIS, HARD BALL GET and BOMBAY BLITZ were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. A Badel (TANG FLEMING) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of MCQUEEN, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. A Badel was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Saturday, 13 January 2018 and to expire on Thursday, 18 January 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Badel’s good race riding record. Approaching the 1000 Metres, ULTIMATE GLORY became awkward close to the heels of BOMBAY BLITZ after being taken in by STAR OF YAN OI. On the first turn after passing the 900 Metres, HARD BALL GET was steadied when racing tight to the inside of ULTIMATE GLORY which in turn was racing tight inside STAR OF YAN OI (O Doleuze). O Doleuze was advised to ensure that he leaves sufficient racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. APOLLO’S CHOICE was badly held up for clear running from soon after straightening until near the 50 Metres. As a result, APOLLO’S CHOICE was unable to be fully tested. The Stewards inquired into an incident near the 300 Metres where DOUBLE VALENTINE was severely checked when tightened for room between CALCULATION (S Clipperton) and CALIFORNIA JOY (A Sanna). It was established that near the 350 Metres CALCULATION shifted in and bumped with DOUBLE VALENTINE, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced and DOUBLE VALENTINE shifting in marginally. At this stage, CALIFORNIA JOY was being positioned to improve between DOUBLE VALENTINE and YOUNG EMPIRE where there was not quite a run. Approaching the 300 Metres, CALCULATION again shifted in marginally and raced tight against DOUBLE VALENTINE which in turn raced tight with CALIFORNIA JOY which was endeavouring to improve between DOUBLE VALENTINE and YOUNG EMPIRE where there was still doubtful room. After leaving the 300 Metres, DOUBLE VALENTINE was severely checked as CALCULATION remained racing tight to its outside and CALIFORNIA JOY shifted to the outside of the heels of YOUNG EMPIRE to fully establish a run outside that horse. In all the circumstances, the Stewards considered that both S Clipperton and A Sanna should be severely reprimanded for contributing to the interference to DOUBLE VALENTINE. S Clipperton was advised that he should have straightened his mount sooner than he did on this occasion. A Sanna was advised to exercise due care when attempting runs where there is doubtful room. After leaving the 300 Metres, BOMBAY BLITZ was bumped by ULTIMATE GLORY (N Rawiller) which shifted out to obtain clear running. HAPPY JOURNEY, which was racing to the outside of the heels of BOMBAY BLITZ, was inconvenienced as a consequence. N Rawiller will be advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TANG FLEMING was lame in its left hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, TANG FLEMING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of CALCULATION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. APOLLO’S CHOICE, CALIFORNIA JOY and EXPERTO CREDE were sent for sampling.