24/01/2010  Shatin  Race 7

FLEET COMMAND and IRON FIST were slow to begin. After this, FLEET COMMAND was ridden along to make up lost ground. Approaching the 1000 Metres, FLEET COMMAND, which was proving difficult to settle, was checked away from the heels of PRESTO (W Pike) which shifted in when barely clear. W Pike was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. After this, FLEET COMMAND proved difficult to settle and shifted away from the heels of PRESTO and then for the remainder of the race travelled wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, IRON FIST shifted out and bumped DREAM TEAM when awkwardly placed close to the heels of DEPOSER. Shortly after entering the Straight, IRON FIST (G Cheyne) and DREAM TEAM (B Prebble) bumped as a result of IRON FIST being shifted out to obtain clear running which was unavailable between DEPOSER and DREAM TEAM. As a result of this contact, both IRON FIST and DREAM TEAM became unbalanced. A short distance later, IRON FIST and DREAM TEAM again bumped as IRON FIST continued to attempt to obtain clear running between DREAM TEAM and DEPOSER which shifted in marginally. For some distance after this, IRON FIST, which had obtained tight running between DEPOSER and DREAM TEAM, raced in restricted room between those horses as a result of DREAM TEAM shifting in when unbalanced. As a consequence, IRON FIST became badly unbalanced on a number of occasions when buffeted for room between DEPOSER and DREAM TEAM which shifted in slightly. G Cheyne was severely reprimanded and advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he had initiated the incident by bumping DREAM TEAM in order to obtain clear running shortly after entering the Straight which resulted in DREAM TEAM becoming unbalanced. G Cheyne was further advised, in similar circumstances, to ensure that when attempting runs, he does not do so at the expense of other runners around him. B Prebble was also severely reprimanded and advised that irrespective of the manner in which horses around him obtain runs, he then has a duty of care to do his utmost to ensure that they are able to maintain running. IRIAN, SUNNY KING and PRESTO were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that PRESTO had lost its right front plate and that DREAM TEAM was making an abnormal breathing noise.