21/01/2009  Happy Valley  Race 6

ABLE DRAGON, NOBLE SILENCE and OASIS DAVIS were slow to begin. From a wide barrier, WONDERFUL BLESSING was taken back in the early stages. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, MASTER GUNNER, which was racing wide and without cover, was allowed to stride forward and shift closer to the rail. At the 1100 Metres, OASIS DAVIS was crowded for room when awkwardly placed inside VICTORY TREASURE. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, SOMETHING SPECIAL and OASIS DAVIS were momentarily crowded for room inside VICTORY TREASURE. For some distance near the 500 Metres, SOMETHING SPECIAL raced tight inside OASIS DAVIS and close to the heels of DASHING THUNDER. From about the 200 Metres until the 50 Metres, SOMETHING SPECIAL, which was following SAFETY FIRST, was not able to obtain clear running. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, OASIS DAVIS had difficulty obtaining clear running, then near the 100 Metres was steadied and shifted to the inside of MASTER GUNNER to go forward. H W Lai (FLUKE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that shortly after the 200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of MASTER GUNNER, causing that horse to lose its rightful running and be checked. H W Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday 9 February 2009 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 1 February 2009. In addition, H W Lai was fined $30,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. Over about the final 150 Metres, SAFETY FIRST had difficulty obtaining clear running and near the winning post was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DASHING THUNDER. Because of this, SAFETY FIRST was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. Throughout the race, VICTORY TREASURE travelled wide and without cover. SOMETHING SPECIAL was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. MASTER GUNNER and ABLE DRAGON were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SOMETHING SPECIAL, MASTER GUNNER and ABLE DRAGON after the race did not show any significant findings. FLUKE and HAPPY AMBASSADOR were sent for sampling.