20/12/2008  Shatin  Race 10

KING POWER began awkwardly, got its head up and lost ground at the start. WIN AGAIN began very awkwardly and despite being ridden along in the early stages failed to muster speed and consequently raced towards the rear of the field. FLY ME TO THE MOON blundered on jumping, shifted out and bumped STAR LEGEND which became unbalanced. Near the 1200 Metres, OSVALDO was steadied away from the heels of MERRY WAY which shifted out slightly. For some distance passing the 1200 Metres, KING POWER proved difficult to settle and approaching the 1000 Metres was checked away from the heels of FLY ME TO THE MOON. KING POWER continued to prove difficult to settle for some distance after this when close to the heels of STAR LEGEND. K L Chui (TERRIFIC BRETHREN) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 100 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount shifting in, causing OSVALDO to be checked. K L Chui was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday 8 January 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until Friday 2 January 2009 on which day he had been eligible to resume race riding following a suspension from riding in races incurred in Race 8 today. In addition, K L Chui was fined $10,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. When questioned, W M Lai (MASTER DREAMER) said he had been instructed to attempt to have the horse in 4th or 5th position. He said MASTER DREAMER began well, he urged his mount forward in the early stages to obtain a position as instructed, however, MASTER DREAMER did not show sufficient pace for him to be able to obtain a forward position. W M Lai was advised to ensure he rides his mounts in such a manner to comply with his instructions wherever possible. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HAPPY GO LUCKY, Z Purton said he was obliged to make use of his mount in the early stages to cross from barrier 14. He said whilst he was able to obtain a position one off the fence, HAPPY GO LUCKY never travelled at any stage of the race and he was obliged to ride his mount throughout in an endeavour to hold his position. He said due to these reasons HAPPY GO LUCKY was unable to finish the race off. HAPPY GO LUCKY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY GO LUCKY after the race did not show any significant findings. GLENEALY STAR was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, GLENEALY STAR was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, GLENEALY STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LAMBRO and MERRY WAY were sent for sampling.