16/12/2018  Shatin  Race 3

PRECIOUS SWEETIE was slow to begin. YICHUN BLITZ reared abruptly as the start was effected and consequently lost ground. STRIKING MR C shifted out at the start and bumped PLANET NICCONI. MULTIMILLION and REAL GIANT bumped at the start. MR MAGELLAN began only fairly. Shortly after the start, MERIDIAN GENIUS and JOY MASTER raced tight. Passing the 600 Metres, MERIDIAN GENIUS shifted in and bumped THIS IS CLASS. G van Niekerk (STRIKING MR C) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 500 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of MERIDIAN GENIUS, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. In the circumstances, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was for G van Niekerk’s licence to ride in races to be suspended for a period to commence on Wednesday, 26 December 2018 and to expire on Sunday, 30 December 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). Passing the 300 Metres, BUMBLE BABY was shifted out away from the heels of STRIKING MR C. Passing the 100 Metres, PLANET NICCONI became unbalanced of its own accord. Over the concluding stages, MERIDIAN GENIUS got its head on the side and shifted out, resulting in its rider having to stop riding and straighten his mount. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on BUMBLE BABY at the request of Trainer J Moore. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse's trachea. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that PLANET NICCONI may have been short in its action after the race, however, an examination undertaken by the Veterinary Officer did not reveal any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of PRECIOUS SWEETIE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MULTIMILLION, GLENEALY GENERALS and FABULOUS EIGHT were sent for sampling. <17/12/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Surgeon reported that PLANET NICCONI may have been short in its action after the race, however, an examination undertaken by the Veterinary Officer did not reveal any significant findings. PLANET NICCONI was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer W Y So 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, PLANET NICCONI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.