02/03/2019  Shatin  Race 4

MEDIC DRAGON shifted in at the start and bumped WINNING CONTROLLER. Then from the outside barriers, both WINNING CONTROLLER and MEDIC DRAGON were steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Apprentice H T Mo (BIG FORTUNE) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that by continuing to ride his mount along for some distance in the early stages, he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent it from shifting in, resulting in SOLAR BILLION and YEE CHEONG PEGASUS being unnecessarily crowded for room and for YEE CHEONG PEGASUS to be taken in across the rightful running of GALLANT SPIRIT which was checked when tightened onto CHAPARRAL STAR which became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by GALLANT SPIRIT. Apprentice Mo was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Saturday, 23 March 2019 and to expire on Monday, 25 March 2019 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Apprentice Mo was fined $10,000. After this, BIG FORTUNE was ridden along for some distance, however, failed to muster speed and consequently travelled wide and without cover for the majority of the race and in the Straight gave ground. Apprentice Mo reported that his mount made an abnormal breathing noise during the race. A veterinary inspection of BIG FORTUNE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. For some distance after the 1100 Metres, FLAME LILY proved very difficult to settle and near the 1050 Metres was checked away from the heels of PERFECT PAIR. Approaching the 300 Metres, GALLANT SPIRIT was directed to the outside of SAVVY SEVEN to obtain clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, CHAPARRAL STAR and YEE CHEONG PEGASUS bumped. FLAME LILY, PERFECT PAIR and FINE WITH ME were sent for sampling.