28/01/2009  Shatin  Race 9

IRISH JIG began awkwardly. On jumping, GRAND STORE blundered badly. JIANG JUN began awkwardly and lost ground. Near the 1000 Metres, BEAUTIFUL DREAMER was checked away from the heels of DIAMOND BRILLIANCE which at this time was steadied. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, ALWAYS GIGGLE was left racing wide and without cover. At the 100 Metres, WHITE JADE was steadied away from the heels of ALWAYS GIGGLE which was giving ground. Over the concluding stages, JIANG JUN had difficulty obtaining clear running and because of this was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. When questioned, M Chadwick (POT OF GOLD) said he had been instructed to begin well, go forward and then it was anticipated other runners which showed superior speed would cross and provide him with cover. He said POT OF GOLD began well, he allowed his mount to travel forward without making use of it and crossed to the fence in the lead. He said he initially thought DIAMOND BRILLIANCE would cross in front of him as that horse had an advantage, however, approaching the 1000 Metres DIAMOND BRILLIANCE was steadied and remained racing to the outside of POT OF GOLD. He said after the 1000 Metres TCHAIKOVSKY commenced to go forward and he felt that horse would then cross to the lead, however, it did not appear to be travelling well, so he allowed POT OF GOLD to maintain its position to the inside of TCHAIKOVSKY and as a consequence led. Mr A S Cruz, trainer of POT OF GOLD, confirmed the riding instructions were to have the horse ridden in a handy position as it was felt other runners in the field would show superior early speed to POT OF GOLD. He said he was somewhat surprised POT OF GOLD led in today’s race given that it was dropping back in distance to 1200 Metres. He said in the past POT OF GOLD had disappointed him when it led in a race over a distance of further than today’s, however, due to the drop in distance today and also a significant drop in weight, POT OF GOLD was able to respond strongly in the Straight after leading. Mr Cruz accepted that following POT OF GOLD’s most recent race start he had advised the Stewards he intended to drop the horse back in distance and have it ridden in a similar manner. He said from a favourable draw in a race with established pace horses he felt it would be in the best interest of POT OF GOLD to obtain the fence in the early stages to ensure it had a position with cover. Mr Cruz was told whilst the intention may not have been for POT OF GOLD to lead today, now that the horse has established form, he must do his utmost to ensure the horse is ridden and performs consistently in upcoming races. When questioned regarding his riding of PRIME CHAMPION, J Winks said he had been instructed to allow the horse which was having its first start in Hong Kong to be balanced in the early stages and ensure it closed its race off in the Home Straight. He said he allowed PRIME CHAMPION to begin, then in the early stages whilst racing in a rearward position his mount travelled comfortably on the bridle. He said making the turn at the 800 Metres PRIME CHAMPION did not travel as well as it had in the early stages. He said approaching the Home Turn he commenced to urge PRIME CHAMPION along in an endeavour to have the horse pick up. He said in the early part of the Straight once balanced PRIME CHAMPION gradually responded to his hands and heels riding, then when placed under full pressure at the 250 Metres closed the race off strongly. Mr D J Hall, trainer of PRIME CHAMPION, confirmed the riding instructions issued to J Winks. He said PRIME CHAMPION in its work and trials since arriving in Hong Kong had pleased him, however, it showed itself to be a horse which would be better suited to racing over distances of longer than the 1200 Metres of today’s race. He said it was felt considerable use would have to be made of PRIME CHAMPION in today’s field if it was not to race at the rear and therefore he felt the horse would be best suited by being saved to close the race off. He said he was satisfied with the riding of J Winks and it is now his intention depending on available races to step the horse up in distance. He did say when racing over longer distances PRIME CHAMPION may due to the tempo of those races travel in a more forward position. J Winks was told his riding of PRIME CHAMPION had come under notice and in future he would be expected to ride in a manner which showed more purpose than he did on this occasion. Mr Hall was told he must ensure through his riding instructions that the riders of horses trained by him ride their mounts in a manner which will not be open to question. PRIME CHAMPION was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of PRIME CHAMPION after the race did not show any significant findings. POT OF GOLD and ISLAND SUPER were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported CHATER POWER had bled from both nostrils.