07/04/2019  Shatin  Race 4

SMART CHARADE shifted out abruptly at the start and crowded IRON BOY onto BEST ALLIANCE which then shifted out and bumped LOOKING GOOD. LOOKING GOOD then bumped WECARE N PROSPER, causing that horse to become badly unbalanced. IRON BOY, BEST ALLIANCE and LOOKING GOOD were hampered in this incident. IRON BOY was then ridden along, however, failed to muster speed. From a wide barrier, GRADE ONE was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. After being ridden along for a considerable distance in the early stages in an endeavour to cross GREEN CARD, HONG KONG BET was unable to show sufficient speed to cross that horse and passing the 1000 Metres GREEN CARD momentarily raced in restricted room inside HONG KONG BET. Apprentice C Wong (FANTASTIC FABIO) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 750 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of SMART LEADER, resulting in that horse being unnecessarily hampered and clipping the heels of FANTASTIC FABIO and in turn shifting in across the rightful running of BEST ALLIANCE which was hampered in consequence. Apprentice Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 17 April 2019 and to expire on Tuesday, 23 April 2019 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Apprentice Wong was fined $15,000. After this incident, BEST ALLIANCE was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 350 Metres, WECARE N PROSPER shifted out away from the heels of BEST ALLIANCE which was racing tight outside HONG KONG BET. A veterinary inspection of IRON BOY and LOOKING GOOD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GRADE ONE, GREEN CARD and PLANET STAR were sent for sampling.