18/09/2010  Shatin  Race 10

From wide barriers, UNION’S STAR, BOLERO and AMBITIOUS OWNER were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. SHIFACHI TRADITION and GRAND DANCER bumped at the start. A short distance later, SHIFACHI TRADITION was steadied when crowded for room between GRAND DANCER and DEPOSER which shifted out. Near the 1300 Metres, HAPPY TUMBLER was steadied away from the heels of DOUBLE LUCK. Near the 600 Metres, SHIFACHI TRADITION was checked away from the heels of GRAND DANCER, in doing so shifted out and bumped BOUNCER (Apprentice C Y Ho) which became unbalanced. Apprentice Ho reported that as a consequence BOUNCER lost ground, however, when fully balanced finished off the race well. Near the 350 Metres, B Doyle (SHIFACHI TRADITION) dropped his whip. Approaching the 300 Metres, UNION’S STAR was checked and MY GOAL was steadied when held up for clear running behind DEPOSER which at this time was giving ground. Passing the 300 Metres, DOUBLE LUCK (Apprentice M L Yeung) got its head on the side and shifted out, resulting in HAPPY TUMBLER and AMBITIOUS OWNER being taken wider. Apprentice Yeung will be advised of his responsibility to make every endeavour to keep his mounts on a straight course in future. The performance of OUTTALIMITZ, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, OUTTALIMITZ will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Stewards questioned B Prebble (HAPPY TUMBLER) regarding his right arm extending out towards DOUBLE LUCK and his rider, Apprentice Yeung approaching the 200 Metres. After considering the matter, B Prebble was told that no further action would be taken, however, he was reminded of the requirement not to extend his arm or whip towards another horse or rider. When questioned regarding the performance of DEPOSER, Apprentice T H So stated that his mount travelled well in the early and middle stages, however, when placed under pressure rounding the Home Turn did not quicken as he thought it would. He said in the early part of the Straight DEPOSER maintained its position, however, passing the 300 Metres commenced to give ground and was most disappointing in the manner in which it weakened abruptly over the final 200 Metres. He added that he had been riding DEPOSER in its work in the lead up to today’s race and the horse galloped on 16 September 2010 and, in his opinion, this work was good. A veterinary inspection of DEPOSER after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of DEPOSER, a favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DEPOSER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DEPOSER, GRAND DANCER and SHIFACHI TRADITION were sent for sampling.