19/10/2008  Happy Valley  Race 1

SIR LAGO was slow to begin. From wide barriers, in the early stages, SAMBUOYANT and PUERTO RICO were taken back. For the major part of the race, CENTENNIAL SMILE travelled wide and without cover and in the early stages proved difficult to settle. At the 1700 Metres, BROWN BEAUTY was steadied when crowded for room inside CLASSIC KING. Near the 400 Metres, PUERTO RICO was steadied when crowded for room inside PERFECT MATCH. Y T Cheng (BROWN BEAUTY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that on straightening he shifted his mount out when not clear of CLASSIC KING, causing that horse to lose its rightful running and be checked. Y T Cheng was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 3 November 2008 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 Sunday 26 October 2008. In the Straight, WONG’S SUCCESS hung in. O Doleuze (WONG’S SUCCESS) said the intention had been to ride the horse in a rearward position as it has been at its recent starts. He said because of this after the horse began only fairly, he did not ride it along in an endeavour to maintain his position. He said WONG’S SUCCESS has performed best in races run at a solid tempo. He said after the 800 Metres he shifted WONG’S SUCCESS out to follow SIR LAGO and SAMBUOYANT forward, however, WONG’S SUCCESS did not respond to his riding and therefore he did not persevere in going forward. He said after the 600 Metres he was able to commence improving his position to the inside of CENTENNIAL SMILE. He said WONG’S SUCCESS closed the race off fairly given the slow tempo of the race. EVERGREEN was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, EVERGREEN was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. BROWN BEAUTY and PERFECT MATCH were sent for sampling. After the race, it was reported ELECTRONICS SPUR had spread its right front plate.