23/09/2007  Shatin  Race 10

MASTERY was slow to begin. FAVOURITE SUPREME shifted out at the start and bumped YANKEE. After this, FAVOURITE SUPREME and YANKEE lost ground as a result of being hampered inside DR MORE which was carried in by SPARKLING STAR which in turn was carried in by DR POSSI. Throughout the race, SUMMERVILLE POWER travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. SUMMERVILLE POWER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, SUMMERVILLE was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was displaying an irregular heart beat and had bled from both nostrils. Before being allowed to race again, SUMMERVILLE POWER will have to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the 600 Metres, SPARKLING STAR was steadied when awkwardly placed on the heels of WADADELIGHT. At the 300 Metres, DIM SUM, which for some distance had been racing tight inside FIRST BABY, was steadied when disappointed for running between that horse and FLY ME TO THE MOON. For some distance after this, DIM SUM continued to have difficulty obtaining clear running. E Saint-Martin (CALIFORNIA LUCK) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of FLY ME TO THE MOON, resulting in that horse losing its rightful running and being checked. The Stewards considered the appropriate penalty was for E Saint-Martin's licence to ride in races be suspended until Monday 22 October 2007 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of this suspension will take effect immediately after the suspension incurred by E Saint-Martin in Race 9 and as such will commence on Monday 15 October 2007. In addition, E Saint-Martin was fined $35,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. At the 100 Metres, FIRST BABY was steadied away from the heels of CIRCUIT HERO which shifted in when barely clear. S K Sit (FAVOURITE SUPREME) explained from barrier 1 he was asked to have the horse in a rearward position to avoid being caught inside runners as at this stage of its career FAVOURITE SUPREME is still somewhat immature. He said because of this it was always the intention to go back on FAVOURITE SUPREME, however, the horse did begin awkwardly of its own accord and as a consequence got back. When questioned regarding the improved performance of FAT DRAGON, Trainer Y S Tsui said the riding instructions for this horse were consistent with those issued at its most recent start: to endeavour to lead and find the fence if possible. Mr Tsui said at FAT DRAGON's most recent start the horse had drawn barrier 13 with a number of speed horses drawn to its inside. He said on that occasion FAT DRAGON was ridden by Apprentice C W Wong who rode the horse along in the early stages in accordance with his instructions, however, as a consequence of FAT DRAGON not showing enough speed to clear runners on its inside, the horse travelled wide and without cover and as a result did not finish the race off. He said today from a more favourable barrier FAT DRAGON was able to cross to the lead which was to its benefit. He added due to some rain during the racemeeting, the track had some give in it. He said FAT DRAGON always performs well on tracks with give. The explanation tendered by Mr Tsui was reported. FAVOURITE SUPREME, FAT DRAGON and CIRCUIT HERO were sent for sampling.