28/12/2008  Shatin  Race 7

After arriving at the Start, the tongue tie fitted to DANABAA was replaced. KEEP ME and OASIS DAVIS were slow to begin. On jumping, ICHIBAN was checked when crowded for room inside CIRCUIT HERO which got its head on the side and shifted in. In the early stages, EIGHT PLUS NINE proved difficult to settle and after the 1000 Metres got its head up, shifted out and was checked away from the heels of DREAM TEAM which was being steadied away from the heels of SPEEDY (M Du Plessis) which when shifting across was itself being steadied. M Du Plessis was reprimanded and told in similar circumstances he would be expected to ensure that he is properly clear of other runners before commencing to steady his mount. For some distance approaching and passing the 400 Metres, EIGHT PLUS NINE had difficulty obtaining clear running, near the 300 Metres was steadied away from the heels of CIRCUIT HERO and at the 200 Metres was again steadied and shifted wider to obtain clear running. At the 100 Metres, DANABAA, which was giving ground, was steadied when awkwardly placed inside WHIPLASH which was carried in slightly by SPEEDY. Over the concluding stages, DREAM TEAM was unable to obtain clear running and because of this was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. DANABAA, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of DREAM TEAM. Throughout the race, CIRCUIT HERO travelled wide and without cover. B Doyle (SECRET OF KINGS) said he had been instructed to go forward on his mount and endeavour to obtain a position one off the rail. He said it had been explained to him that SECRET OF KINGS had been disappointing this season when ridden in a rearward position. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode SECRET OF KINGS along in the early stages, however, the horse did not show sufficient speed to cross runners to its inside and despite travelling in a forward position was obliged to race wide and without cover throughout. He said in the Straight SECRET OF KINGS gave ground. Mr D J Hall, trainer of SECRET OF KINGS, confirmed the riding instructions issued to B Doyle. He said SECRET OF KINGS had disappointed him since joining his stable and it was decided to change the racing pattern of the horse to see if it would improve its performance. He said he was again disappointed in the performance of SECRET OF KINGS today and would be recommending to the owners that the horse now be retired. The performance of SECRET OF KINGS was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SECRET OF KINGS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the poor performance of ICHIBAN, D Whyte said the horse travelled further back than intended after being interfered with at the start. He said ICHIBAN travelled only fairly throughout the race and when placed under pressure in his opinion was not striding out properly and appeared to be holding back. He said ICHIBAN was well beaten inside the final 100 Metres and he did not continue to ride his mount out to the end of the race. Mr J Size, trainer of ICHIBAN, explained the horse was well fancied on the strength of its recent work and barrier trial. He said ICHIBAN had not raced since the beginning of October due to a laceration to its right forearm sustained during its last race start. He said he was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of ICHIBAN. ICHIBAN was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of ICHIBAN after the race did not show any significant findings. In the circumstances, the performance of ICHIBAN was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ICHIBAN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MOMENTOUS and SPEEDY were sent for sampling.