The Stewards today continued their inquiry into Y T Cheng’s handling of MASTER GOLD in the Sha Tsui Handicap which was run at Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday, 18 September 2016. Further evidence was today taken from Jockey Cheng, Mr L Ho, the trainer of MASTER GOLD, and Dr P Curl, Executive Manager, Veterinary Regulation. A written authority for Mr Ho to represent the interests of Mr Cheng Hon Yat, the owner of MASTER GOLD, at today’s inquiry was tendered.

Y T Cheng was charged with having breached Hong Kong Rule of Racing 99 (2) and (5) in that as the rider of MASTER GOLD in the stated race, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure MASTER GOLD was given a full opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible placing in the field.

The charge against Jockey Cheng was particularised as follows:-

After passing the 200 Metres, at which time he used the whip in the forehand manner on one occasion, he did, for a distance of approximately 30 Metres, fail to ride MASTER GOLD with sufficient purpose and vigour when it was both reasonable and permissible for him to have done so, given the manner in which MASTER GOLD was finishing off the race.

After passing the 150 Metres, he did direct MASTER GOLD in behind the running line of GOOD FIT and in doing so shifted MASTER GOLD away from clear and uninterrupted running between GOOD FIT and SPINNING DANCER, when it was both reasonable and permissible for MASTER GOLD to have maintained such clear and uninterrupted running between GOOD FIT and SPINNING DANCER.

After directing MASTER GOLD in after passing the 150 Metres, he did fail to ride his mount with sufficient purpose and vigour when it was both reasonable and permissible for him to have done so given the manner in which MASTER GOLD was finishing off the race.

Over the concluding stages of the race, he did stop riding MASTER GOLD when it was both reasonable and permissible for him to have continued to ride the horse out to the end of the race.
The inquiry was adjourned until a date to be fixed at which time Jockey Cheng will be called to answer the charge.