13/10/2018  Shatin  Race 10

CHUNG WAH SPIRIT was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, GOD OF DRAGON and ENFOLDING were crowded for room between SEBFIRE and INVINCIBLE FRESH which shifted out. After this, GOD OF DRAGON and ENFOLDING were shifted across behind runners. Z Purton (COMFORT LIFE) 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 not clear of LADY FIRST, causing that horse to be hampered and taken in across the rightful running of INTREPIC which clipped the heels of LADY FIRST and lost ground. Z Purton was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 28 October 2018 and to expire on Thursday, 1 November 2018 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. Approaching the 900 Metres, CHUNG WAH SPIRIT commenced to travel keenly, shifted out and bumped HOME RUN. Approaching the 600 Metres, SIR REDALOT and HOME RUN raced tight. Passing the 600 Metres, HOME RUN became unbalanced when checked away from the heels of INVINCIBLE FRESH. At this time, SIR REDALOT was also awkwardly placed inside the heels of INVINCIBLE FRESH when racing tight outside INTREPIC. Also passing the 600 Metres, INTREPIC commenced to travel keenly and was checked away from the heels of LADY FIRST. Near the 250 Metres, NOBLE STEED was steadied when disappointed for running between RELENTLESS ME and SUN TOUCH. In this incident, RELENTLESS ME became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by NOBLE STEED. NOBLE STEED was then shifted to the outside of RELENTLESS ME approaching the 150 Metres to obtain clear running. NOBLE STEED was then momentarily shifted out away from the heels of LADY FIRST passing the 50 Metres. Over the concluding stages, GOD OF DRAGON was awkwardly placed behind SUN TOUCH and consequently was not able to be tested. Throughout the race, JOYFUL MOMENTS travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in as they were of the prima facie view that an incident had occurred over the concluding stages which cast sufficient doubt on whether INVINCIBLE FRESH should be declared the winner of the race. Subsequently G van Niekerk, the rider of second placed, LADY FIRST, lodged a formal protest/objection against INVINCIBLE FRESH alleging interference over the concluding stages. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the videos, the Stewards found that passing the 50 Metres INVINCIBLE FRESH shifted in marginally and made minor contact with LADY FIRST. However, having regard to the fact that INVINCIBLE FRESH came from behind LADY FIRST in the early part of the Straight and improved to the outside of that horse and as G van Niekerk, who was using the whip in the right hand, was not impeded in his riding out of that horse, the Stewards were not satisfied to the requisite degree that had the minor contact not occurred LADY FIRST would have finished in front of INVINCIBLE FRESH. Therefore the protest/objection was overruled and weighed-in declared on the numbers semaphored by the Judge. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SEBFIRE had bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of INTREPIC immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NOBLE STEED, INVINCIBLE FRESH and LADY FIRST were sent for sampling.