12/05/2008  Shatin  Race 10

In the early stages, SECRET OF KINGS and TAIJI SPIRIT were taken across behind runners. Near the 1300 Metres, SHANGDONG GENERAL, which had been carried in slightly by FOREVER FRIENDSHIP, was steadied away from the heels of HONGKONG SUPERSTAR which shifted out. Near the 700 Metres, HONGKONG SUPERSTAR was steadied away from the heels of BERIO. Prior to straightening, OPERATION SECRET was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of TAN TAT BABY. For some distance after straightening, ISLAND SUPER and OPERATION SECRET were held up and unable to improve. In the early part of the Straight, HONGKONG SUPERSTAR had difficulty obtaining clear running. After the 400 Metres, SECRET OF KINGS was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of FOREVER FRIENDSHIP to obtain clear running. Near the 200 Metres, ISLAND SUPER was steadied away from the heels of OPERATION SECRET which shifted out. For some distance approaching the 200 Metres, WIN AGAIN, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, endeavoured to improve into a narrow run between DR WELL and BERIO. Near the 200 Metres, DR WELL was checked when crowded for room inside WIN AGAIN which was severely checked after being disappointed for running between DR WELL and BERIO (Apprentice C W Wong) which shifted in marginally. Having in mind the availability of racing room between DR WELL and BERIO as WIN AGAIN attempted to obtain a run between those horses and also the degree of the shift inwards from BERIO, the Stewards took no action, however, Apprentice Wong was told to do his utmost to protect his fellow riders. After the 100 Metres, TAN TAT BABY raced tight inside CHINA HERO which was hanging in and proving difficult to ride. At the 50 Metres, MERIDIAN PRIDE, which was giving ground, became unbalanced. Throughout the race, CHINA HERO travelled wide and without cover. E Saint-Martin was found guilty of a charge of improper riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after passing the winning post he turned his horse’s head inwards, therefore directing it in when not clear of BERIO, causing that horse to be severely checked. Having considered the circumstances of the matter and also E Saint-Martin’s previous record in relation to improper riding, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was for E Saint-Martin’s licence to ride in races to be suspended for a period to expire on Thursday 19 June 2008 on which day he may resume race riding (10 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension is with immediate effect. SHANGDONG GENERAL was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SHANGDONG GENERAL after the race did not show any significant findings. TAN TAT BABY, OPERATION SECRET and SUPER SNIPPETS were sent for sampling.