31/10/2018  Shatin  Race 4

SWEETIE BARLEY was withdrawn on 30.10.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter WINNING SUPREME (C Y Ho). Before being allowed to race again, SWEETIE BARLEY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CHEER WIN began only fairly. HAPPY COOPERATION began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped MOTHER WISHES which had begun only fairly. ROYAL MOJITO stumbled at the start. N Callan (DR PROACTIVE) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 700 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of FAME AND FORTUNE, causing that horse to be unnecessarily crowded for room and taken in onto the hindquarters of HAPPY COOPERATION, resulting in HAPPY COOPERATION becoming badly unbalanced and FAME AND FORTUNE being checked. N Callan was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 21 November 2018 and to expire on Monday, 26 November 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, N Callan was fined $10,000. When FAME AND FORTUNE was checked, SUNSHINE UNIVERSE, which was following, was checked away from the heels of that horse. MOTHER WISHES, which was following, was also inconvenienced. ROYAL MOJITO shifted out marginally, resulting in NICE KICK being inconvenienced. Passing the 600 Metres, HONG KONG’S FOLKS momentarily raced tight between MOTHER WISHES and SUNSHINE UNIVERSE which shifted in marginally after being awkwardly placed behind FAME AND FORTUNE. Passing the 300 Metres, NICE KICK shifted in and bumped ROYAL MOJITO. ROYAL MOJITO was then shifted to the inside of DR PROACTIVE passing the 200 Metres, resulting in SUNSHINE UNIVERSE being inconvenienced. Close to the finishing line, FAME AND FORTUNE was bumped by SUNSHINE UNIVERSE when racing tight inside that horse. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of M L Yeung (HONG KONG’S FOLKS), 6th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels all the way to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned, C Y Ho (WINNING SUPREME) stated that he was asked to lead on the horse. He said after beginning only fairly, he rode WINNING SUPREME along in an endeavor to comply to his instructions, however, WINNING SUPREME failed to muster speed and then after being crossed by other runners, WINNING SUPREME resented the kickback and raced much further back in the field than had been intended. A veterinary inspection of WINNING SUPREME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the performance of HAPPY COOPERATION, U Rispoli stated that after being able to maintain the rail behind the leaders making the first turn, HAPPY COOPERATION became unbalanced passing the 700 Metres. He said HAPPY COOPERATION was able to balance up, however, after the 600 Metres came under heavy pressure and then, despite being vigorously ridden rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, did not respond to his riding and commenced to give ground. He added after the race HAPPY COOPERATION appeared sound in its action and therefore he was not able to offer any explanation for the horse’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY COOPERATION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DR PROACTIVE, VIVA COUNCIL and NICE KICK were sent for sampling. <1/11/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>WINNING SUPREME, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. WINNING SUPREME was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer Y S Tsui this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, WINNING SUPREME will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.