01/01/2019  Shatin  Race 6

BETTER CHOICE was withdrawn on 30.12.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter GRADE ONE (K Teetan). Before being allowed to race again, BETTER CHOICE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the barriers, GRADE ONE, which bumped a rail on entering the track, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse was suitable to race. PLAY WISE began only fairly. Shortly after the start, BUOYANT BOY was crowded for room inside ALCARI which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the tightening to BUOYANT BOY. From wide barriers, BIG BANG BONG and GRADE ONE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 800 Metres, ALCARI was steadied away from the heels of PLAY TO WIN (Apprentice C Wong) which, after initially being clear of ALCARI, was then steadied by its rider. Apprentice Wong was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear at all times when shifting ground. Passing the 600 Metres, PLAY WISE raced tight inside ALCARI which improved into tight running inside PLAY TO WIN which got its head on the side and shifted out marginally prior to the 600 Metres. GRADE ONE, which was following PLAY WISE, was inconvenienced in consequence. GRADE ONE was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Apprentice C Wong pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching and passing the 350 Metres he permitted PLAY TO WIN to shift out when not clear of SIR REDALOT, causing that horse to be unnecessarily hampered when crowded for room between HONEST WAY and PLAY TO WIN. BUOYANT BOY, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of SIR REDALOT in consequence. Apprentice Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Saturday, 12 January 2019 and to expire on Thursday, 17 January 2019 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Apprentice Wong’s good race riding record. A veterinary inspection of SIR REDALOT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BIG PARTY and GRADE ONE were sent for sampling.