28/06/2009  Shatin  Race 6

When presenting himself to weigh out to ride GUAN DAO in this race, it was established Apprentice K C Leung could only claim 5 lbs of his entitled 7 lb weight allowance and as such he was 2 lb overweight. Apprentice Leung did not declare any overweight at the time of declaration. Apprentice Leung explained he was overweight because his riding gear was wet due to the substantial rain which had fallen during the racemeeting. In the circumstances, the Stewards decided no action ought to be taken. W Pike (DON FELIPE) was fined $2,000 for negligently initially weighing out without stirrups on the saddle which required him to be re-weighed. HIGH RETURN put its head up as the gates opened and as a consequence was slow to begin. On jumping, RECORD HIGH was crowded for room inside WINFINDER which got its head up and shifted in. Shortly after the start, PACHINKO lost ground and was bumped by STAR LEGEND which shifted out after being bumped by FLYING COLOURS. After the 800 Metres, YOU GOTTA PAY was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of FLYING COLOURS (C W Wong) which shifted in when not properly clear. Shortly after this, RECORD HIGH and SHI SHAN were steadied away from the heels of FLYING COLOURS which again shifted in when not properly clear. C W Wong was severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. In the middle stages, GUAN DAO hung out. Near the 500 Metres, RECORD HIGH was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the hindquarters of SMART KNIGHT. After the 500 Metres, SHI SHAN was steadied away from the heels of FLYING COLOURS. On straightening, BLINK AGAIN was bumped and carried wider by POWER RETURN which shifted out. At the 150 Metres, Apprentice K C Leung dropped his whip. Throughout the race, SMART KNIGHT travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight hung in. Y T Cheng (RECORD HIGH), which performed poorly, explained his mount did not handle today’s wet track conditions. YOU GOTTA PAY and HIGH RETURN were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BLINK AGAIN was making an abnormal breathing noise and SMART KNIGHT was lame in the left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SMART KNIGHT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.