23/09/2007  Shatin  Race 6

ELEPHANT DANCE was withdrawn on 22.9.07 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore right fore suspensory) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter TRIUMPH. Before being allowed to race again, ELEPHANT DANCE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Apprentice K T Yeung (SEA TREASURE) was fined $1,000 for initially entering the incorrect barrier stall. LUCKY MONEY STAR began awkwardly, then throughout the race travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight hung in. MULTIMIGHTY began awkwardly, bounded in the air and on landing stumbled, shifted out and bumped BARRACUDA, causing that horse to be hampered. Shortly after this, BARRACUDA was steadied when crowded for room between MULTIMIGHTY and LUCKY MONEY STAR which at this time shifted in. After the 1400 Metres, PACIFIC ALLIANCE was steadied away from the heels of BIG WINNER. Prior to the 600 Metres, PACIFIC ALLIANCE was checked when disappointed for running inside BIG WINNER. SEA TREASURE which was following, was checked in consequence. Making the Home Turn, PACIFIC ALLIANCE raced tight inside EVER KING when endeavouring to shift to the outside of BIG WINNER to obtain clear running. On straightening, BARRACUDA was steadied when hampered and carried wider by AMAZING CHOICE (D Whyte) which at this time shifted out into clear running. D Whyte was advised to exercise greater care. Shortly after straightening, PACIFIC ALLIANCE was steadied and shifted to the inside of BIG WINNER to obtain clear running. For some distance after the 300 Metres, BIG WINNER had difficulty obtaining clear running. B Prebble (MULTIMIGHTY) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 250 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount which was hanging out from shifting ground when not clear of SUDDEN SPLENDOR, resulting in that horse losing its rightful running and being checked. For this breach, B Prebble's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to expire on Monday 15 October 2007 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension is to commence on Tuesday 2 October 2007 on which day B Prebble was entitled to resume race riding from a previously incurred suspension from the Happy Valley racemeeting last Wednesday. In addition, B Prebble was fined $40,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. At the 200 Metres, MULTIMIGHTY, which was giving ground, was steadied away from the heels of TRAVEL LEADER which shifted out slightly. M Nunes (BIG WINNER) said the intention had been to ride the horse in midfield or slightly worse to ensure it was able to close the race off. He said because of these instructions, after the 1500 Metres he did not ride along to prevent TRAVEL LEADER shifting to his inside as he felt to have done so would have caused BIG WINNER to over-race and this was contrary to his instructions. SUDDEN SPLENDOR was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, SUDDEN SPLENDOR was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, SUDDEN SPLENDOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. RED WINE HONEY and EVER KING were sent for sampling. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 24 September 2007) The Veterinary Surgeon reported that ONE EYE JACK was this morning found to have an injury to the left front tendon. Before being allowed to race again, ONE EYE JACK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.