16/02/2010  Shatin  Race 8

Shortly after the start, FAIR TRADE was steadied away from the heels of DREAM TEAM (C Soumillon) which shifted in. C Soumillon was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in future. Making the first turn, FAIR TRADE, which was proving difficult to settle, was steadied when crowded for room between PRESTO and OPERATION SECRET. Near the 150 Metres, DIM SUM was steadied away from the heels of FAIR TRADE which got its head on the side and shifted out. Over the concluding stages, DREAM TEAM shifted out and raced tight with IRON FIST. Because of this, DREAM TEAM was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. When questioned, C Williams stated that he was instructed to ride DIM SUM quietly in an endeavour to ensure the horse was able to see out the 1400 Metres of today’s race. He also stated that it was anticipated that DREAM TEAM and IRON FIST, which had drawn inside DIM SUM, would be ridden in forward positions and he was not to engage in a speed battle with these horses. He said DIM SUM began very well and although he had been instructed to ride the horse quietly, he allowed it to stride forward for a short distance after the start without riding it along to obtain the best position available. He said however he observed that both IRON FIST and DREAM TEAM were obtaining leading positions as anticipated, therefore he felt that although DIM SUM had begun extremely well, it would not be in the best interests of the horse to continue forward to cross IRON FIST as this would be contrary to his instructions, therefore shortly after the start he looked to obtain a position behind IRON FIST. He said when he did this, IRON FIST then did not improve its position to his inside as he thought it would and this allowed a number of horses behind IRON FIST to make up ground which resulted in DIM SUM being caught wide and without cover down the Back Straight. He said he continued to hope that DIM SUM would be able to obtain a position with cover, however, due to the manner in which the race was being run and because of his instructions, it resulted in DIM SUM travelling wide and without cover throughout the race. Trainer J Moore confirmed that he issued explicit instructions to C Williams to ensure that DIM SUM was not ridden along in the early stages as he believed if it were to be ridden along, the horse would not be able to finish off the race. He said having in mind his instructions and the manner in which the race unfolded, he was satisfied with C Williams’ handling of DIM SUM. C Williams was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he should wherever possible ensure that horses ridden by him do not cover unnecessary ground. PRESTO, FAIR TRADE and EXPRESS WIN were sent for sampling.