RACE-1 THE ST. PETERSBURG RATING 45-0 (3&4 YO) 1200 METRES (253)
1 Rayquaza (K H Yu) ¬-Was slow to begin and lost ground. Trainer M C Tam was informed that a warning would be placed against 1 Rayquaza in relation to its racing manners. A post race veterinary examination failed to reveal any significant abnormality.
3 Small Waterfall (F Henrique) ¬-Over the concluding stages was inclined to shift out under pressure.
4 Wo Hero (M Tanaka) ¬-Leaving the 250 metres had a tendency to shift out under pressure and had to be corrected by its rider.
5 Dawson (L Corrales) ¬-Leaving the 100 metres rider dropped his whip after accidently striking the whip of the rider of 3 Small Waterfall. Over the concluding stages was brushed by 3 Small Waterfall which was inclined to shift out under pressure.
7 Yiu Cheung Prince (S Nakano) ¬-For some distance approaching and passing the 900 metres was inclined to race fiercely.
RACING INCIDENT & INQUIRY:
Following the running of the race, the “Enquiry” sign was semaphored to allow the Stewards to review the official video patrol where 3 Small Waterfall and 5 Dawson raced in close proximity over the concluding stages. The Stewards also considered an objection lodge by Jockey L Corrales the rider of 5 Dawson, 2nd placed getter against 3 Small Waterfall (F Henrique) being declared the winner by the Judge for alleging interference over the final 50 metres. Evidence was taken from Jockey L Corrales, Mr. Pat Lee the trainer of 5 Dawson, Jockey F Henrique and Mr. K S Wong the trainer of 3 Small Waterfall. It was established that over the concluding stages 3 Small Waterfall and 5 Dawson brushed when 3 Small Waterfall was inclined to shift out under pressure. After considering all of the circumstances and taking into account the beaten margin of a short head and where the incident took place, the Stewards could not be satisfied that had the interference not occurred that 5 Dawson would have beaten 3 Small Waterfall and therefore dismissed the objection and declared correct weight on the Judge’s placings.
At a subsequent inquiry, the Stewards issued Jockey F Henrique the rider of 3 Small Waterfall with a severe reprimand and he was advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop ridding and straighten his mount.
