The Stewards today concluded their inquiry into H W Lai’s riding of GOOD METHOD particularly in the Home Straight in the Being Famous Handicap which was run at Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday, 12 July 2015. Further evidence was today taken from Jockey Lai and Mr C S Shum, the trainer of GOOD METHOD. A written authority for Mr Shum to represent the interests of Mr Ho Tai Hing, the owner of GOOD METHOD, at today’s inquiry was tendered.
H W Lai pleaded not guilty to a charge of having breached Hong Kong Rule of Racing 99 (2) and (5) in that as the rider of GOOD METHOD in the stated race, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure GOOD METHOD was given a full opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible placing in the field.
The charge against Jockey Lai was particularised as follows:
- That after passing the 350 Metres at which time GOOD METHOD shifted out and momentarily inconvenienced UNICORN, he took the prolonged distance of until approaching the 250 Metres to change his whip from the right hand to the left hand when it was both reasonable and permissible for him to have done so in a more timely manner. This resulted in GOOD METHOD not being properly ridden out and tested during this section of the race.
- That from approaching the 250 Metres until near the 200 Metres he ceased riding out GOOD METHOD when it was both reasonable and permissible for him to have done so which resulted in GOOD METHOD not being tested at this time of the race.
- That from near the 200 Metres until approaching the 50 Metres at which point GOOD METHOD was momentarily inconvenienced by GO SANDY GO, he failed to ride out GOOD METHOD with sufficient purpose and vigour when it was both reasonable and permissible for him to have done so.
- That from just inside the 50 Metres after GOOD METHOD was momentarily inconvenienced by GO SANDY GO until the winning post, he failed to ride out GOOD METHOD with sufficient purpose and vigour when it was both reasonable and permissible for him to have done so.
- That by riding GOOD METHOD in the stated manner from after passing the 350 Metres until the winning post, as evidenced by the distinct lack of movement in his right hand and the ineffectual use of the whip in his left hand, the horse was not given a full opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible placing in the field.
The Stewards decided, after considering all the evidence, that the charge against Jockey Lai should be sustained and accordingly he was found guilty of the charge.
H W Lai was advised that whilst this was the first occasion upon which he had been charged under this Rule of Racing, the Stewards considered the offence to be a high-range breach of a significant Rule of Racing and that, in the opinion of the Stewards, had GOOD METHOD have been ridden with sufficient purpose and vigour in the Home Straight, the horse could potentially have won the race.
In the circumstances, it was deemed appropriate for H W Lai’s licence to ride in races be suspended with effect from Sunday, 6 September 2015 until Friday, 23 October 2015 on which day he may resume race riding. During this period, the first 14 racemeetings of the 2015/2016 racing season are scheduled to be conducted.
Mr Shum was advised that his evidence was accepted by the Stewards.
