02/02/2008  Shatin  Race 5

RAMPANT LION was a little slow to begin, then shortly afterwards lost further ground as a result of being checked when crowded for room between RISING WIN which shifted out and DOUBLE FANTASY which began awkwardly and shifted in abruptly. H W Lai (SILVER WRAITH) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 1200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of EXCELLENT PLASTIC, causing that horse to lose its rightful running, be checked and lose ground which in turn caused FRAMES DEPOT to be checked and shift in across the rightful running of DOUBLE FANTASY which was also checked. H W Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday 28 February 2008 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday 20 February 2008. In addition, H W Lai was fined $20,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. After this incident, EXCELLENT PLASTIC travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of EXCELLENT PLASTIC was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, EXCELLENT PLASTIC will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Near the 1100 Metres, LIGHTNING MOUNT was steadied away from the heels of NAMJONG SKY. Making the turn after the 800 Metres, DOUBLE FANTASY hung out. In the early part of the Straight, SUPER got its head on the side, hung out and was allowed to shift to the outside rail. After the 200 Metres, DIAGHILEV was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of NAMJONG SKY which was giving ground. For the major part of the race, FRAMES DEPOT travelled wide and without cover. Following the race, F Coetzee (MULTI-WIN SPIRIT) reported in his opinion the horse did not handle today’s wet track conditions. E Saint-Martin (NAMJONG SKY), which performed poorly, explained today the horse in his opinion raced “flat” after having a hard run at its most recent race start. He said shortly after straightening NAMJONG SKY gave ground. A Delpech (SUPER), 4th placegetter, pleaded guilty to a charge of having failed to ride his mount out to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stewards [Rule 100(2)]. A Delpech’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to expire on Monday 25 February 2008 on which day he may resume race riding (5 racedays). The commencement of that suspension is with immediate effect. EXCELLENT PLASTIC, NAMJONG SKY and UNIVERSAL PIONEER were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of EXCELLENT PLASTIC, NAMJONG SKY and UNIVERSAL PIONEER after the race did not show any significant findings. MULTI-WIN SPIRIT, SILVER WRAITH and SIMPLY THE BEST were sent for sampling.