24/10/2021  Shatin  Race 5

LEGION OF MERIT and THE JOLLY began only fairly. DECISIVE ACTION shifted out at the start and bumped EASY FORTUNE. After this, DECISIVE ACTION was steadied to obtain cover. From the outside barriers, MING WARRIOR and EASY FORTUNE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. R Maia (WITTY SCHOLAR) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that at the 1300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of WINNING STEED, resulting in that horse being hampered when unnecessarily crowded for room and taken in onto EVER LAUGH which was also hampered when crowded for room outside the heels of SOULMATE. R Maia was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 10 November 2021 and to expire on Sunday, 14 November 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey Maia was fined $7,500. Near the 500 Metres, SOULMATE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of LEGION OF MERIT and then after the 500 Metres shifted in and bumped THE JOLLY. LIGHT OF WANSHI was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and passing the 400 Metres shifted out away from the heels of WITTY SCHOLAR which was giving ground, resulting in GREAT TREASURE being disappointed for running between LIGHT OF WANSHI and CASIMIRO. LIGHT OF WANSHI then continued to experience difficulty obtaining clear running and passing the 300 Metres was shifted in away from the heels of WINNING STEED. After this, WITTY SCHOLAR continued to give ground. A veterinary inspection of WITTY SCHOLAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of WITTY SCHOLAR, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WITTY SCHOLAR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Passing the 300 Metres, BEAUTY SPIRIT and SOULMATE bumped. Approaching the 100 Metres, LIGHT OF WANSHI shifted out under pressure, resulting in its rider having to stop riding and straighten. Throughout the race, WINNING STEED travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of WINNING STEED immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a minor laceration to the outside of the right hind heel. A veterinary inspection of CASIRMIRO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BEAUTY SPIRIT and SOULMATE were sent for sampling.