16/05/2010  Shatin  Race 6

As the start was effected, IMAGINATION stood flat-footed and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, IMAGINATION will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. GORGEOUS RULER shifted out at the start and bumped DR WIN. From a wide barrier, DARPANA was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 900 Metres, IMAGINATION was left racing wide and without cover. W M Lai (HIGH LUCK) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 850 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in, resulting in SOHNA being taken in and crowded in across the rightful running of GORGEOUS RULER. As a result, GORGEOUS RULER was checked and lost the rightful running and SOHNA was badly crowded for room. GOOD FORTUNE, which was following, was checked in consequence and shifted out across the rightful running of WATCH FIRST which was also checked when taken out onto DARPANA which was forced wider. W M Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 10 June 2010 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 2 June 2010. Rounding the Home Turn, SOHNA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DR WIN. Near the 150 Metres, SOHNA was steadied away from the heels of AMBITIOUS OWNER and shifted out to continue improving. The performances of GORGEOUS RULER and WATCH FIRST, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GORGEOUS RULER and WATCH FIRST will both be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. D Dunn (AMBITIOUS OWNER) reported after the race that his mount raced “flat” and did not finish off the race as he thought it would. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of DR WIN, D Whyte stated that the horse travelled only fairly during the race and when placed under pressure rounding the Home Turn became badly unbalanced in its action. He said the manner in which DR WIN weakened from this time of the race together with the horse’s action led him to feel like it was a horse that was suffering from a heart irregularity. He said for this reason he eased the horse down in the Straight. Mr J Size, the trainer of DR WIN, said he was initially disappointed with DR WIN’s most recent run, however, he formed the view after the race that the horse had been disadvantaged by having to be ridden along from the wide barrier to take up a forward position. He said since its last run, DR WIN had pleased him in its work and a forward showing was expected today. He said he was unable to explain the disappointing performance of the horse in today’s race. He added, following today’s performance, it was his intention to spell DR WIN for the remainder of the racing season. A veterinary inspection of DR WIN after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of DR WIN was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DR WIN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DR WIN, LUCKY PHOTO FRAME, MATSUKAZE and HIGH LUCK were sent for sampling.