09/11/2019  Shatin  Race 3

MY POWER shifted out at the start and bumped LORIZ. MY POWER was then crowded for room shortly after the start between LORIZ and SHINEALOT which shifted out. KA YING BRILLIANCE and FOODIE PRINCESS were crowded for room on jumping between KELMIMI WINS and TELECOM ROCKET which shifted out. PARTY EVERYDAY began awkwardly and then from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When being steadied after the 1200 Metres, both LORIZ and SUPER ALLIANCES proved difficult to settle and travelled keenly. Passing the 900 Metres, OLD HAVANA was checked away from the heels of GOLDEN FOUR. KA YING BRILLIANCE, which was following OLD HAVANA, shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence and in doing so bumped FOODIE PRINCESS which was taken wider. At the entrance to the Straight, LORIZ and FALCON TURBO raced tight as FALCON TURBO shifted out from behind MY POWER. WITNESS HUNTER had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. At the 300 Metres, SHINEALOT was shifted to the outside of SUPER ALLIANCES. After this, SHINEALOT raced tight inside GOLDEN FOUR. Then approaching the 200 Metres, SHINEALOT was steadied when disappointed for running between GOLDEN FOUR and SUPER ALLIANCES which was shifted out away from the heels of LORIZ which, after being taken out slightly by FALCON TURBO (G van Niekerk), then shifted out further away from that horse. Whilst the Stewards were of the belief that LORIZ had contributed to this incident by shifting out, nonetheless G van Niekerk was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. Passing the 300 Metres, TELECOM ROCKET was bumped by GOLDEN FOUR which shifted to the outside of UNICORNBABY. G van Niekerk (FALCON TURBO) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that he permitted his mount to shift out approaching the 200 Metres when not clear of LORIZ, causing that horse to be unnecessarily crowded for room and to lose running to which it was rightfully entitled. G van Niekerk was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 11 December 2019 and to expire on Monday, 16 December 2019 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, G van Niekerk was fined $30,000. Throughout the race, KELMIMI WINS travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of SUPER ALLIANCES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of FOODIE PRINCESS and KA YING BRILLIANCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TELECOM ROCKET, UNICORNBABY and FALCON TURBO were sent for sampling.