The Stewards today concluded their inquiry into the reason for STARTLING POWER falling passing the 1100 Metres which caused its rider M L Yeung to be dislodged.  Evidence was today taken from M L Yeung, G van Niekerk (BIG PARTY) and N Callan (HEARTS KEEPER).

N Callan was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that he failed to make sufficient endeavours to prevent his mount from shifting in approaching and passing the 1100 Metres when not clear of BIG PARTY, causing BIG PARTY to be taken in onto STARTLING POWER and causing STARTLING POWER to be crowded for room and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled when taken in across the heels of MASSIVE MILLENNIUM which resulted in STARTLING POWER clipping the heels of MASSIVE MILLENNIUM, falling and causing its rider, M L Yeung, to be dislodged.  In the circumstances, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was for Jockey Callan’s licence to ride in races to be suspended for a period to commence on Wednesday, 19 December 2018 and to expire on Wednesday, 2 January 2019 on which day he may resume race riding (5 Hong Kong racedays).

M L Yeung has informed the Stewards that he will not accept race riding engagements at the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Sunday, 9 December 2018.  A further release will be issued at the appropriate time in relation to Jockey Yeung’s fitness to be able to resume riding.