26/09/2007  Shatin  Race 8

EIGHT PLUS NINE was slow to begin, then in the early stages proved difficult to settle. From an outside gate, BRILLIANT FLASH was taken across behind runners. K Shea (RELY ON ME) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of CIRCULAR MACHINE, causing that horse to lose its rightful running and be checked. K Shea was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 15 October 2007 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting next Monday 1 October 2007. In addition, K Shea was fined $10,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. At the 350 Metres, EVERGREEN was crowded for room inside AMPLE GAINS which when hanging in shifted in slightly and EIGHT PLUS NINE which itself was steadied and shifted out when held up and unable to obtain clear running on the outside of LUMINOUS. Also at the 350 Metres, BRILLIANT FLASH was steadied when having difficulty obtaining clear running. Apprentice H W Lai (AMPLE GAINS) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 200 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount which was hanging in from shifting ground, thereby causing LUMINOUS to lose its rightful running and be checked. WEALTHY TREASURE, which was racing to the inside of LUMINOUS, was also hampered in this incident. Apprentice Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 22 October 2007 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday 14 October 2007. In addition, Apprentice Lai was fined $10,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. For some distance passing the 200 Metres, RELY ON ME had some difficulty obtaining clear running. At the 100 Metres, CARE FREE PRINCE was steadied when crowded for room between RELY ON ME and CIRCULAR MACHINE. After this, CARE FREE PRINCE did not obtain clear running and because of this was not properly tested. Approaching the winning post, BRILLIANT FLASH hung in. Because of this, F Coetzee, its rider, stopped riding and straightened his mount. Throughout the race, EVERGREEN and WEALTHY TREASURE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of LUMINOUS, D Whyte said his mount travelled comfortably into the Home Straight, then when placed under pressure responded briefly, however, over the final 300 Metres did not finish the race off as he had hoped. LUMINOUS and CARE FREE PRINCE were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of LUMINOUS and CARE FREE PRINCE after the race did not show any significant findings. EIGHT PLUS NINE and ALL TIME HIGH were sent for sampling.