28/03/2010  Shatin  Race 6

MOONGLOW began awkwardly and then shortly after the start was crowded for room between SPARKLING and WAIT FOR ME, both of which shifted ground. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, CONNOISSEUR’S LOVE failed to muster speed. For some distance passing the 1100 Metres, GLENEALY VIKING was checked when awkwardly placed close to the heels of PUBLIC FIGURE. As a consequence of this, approaching the 1000 Metres, REDOUTE’S FORTUNE was checked away from the heels of GLENEALY VIKING, shifted in and bumped CONNOISSEUR’S LOVE, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. REDOUTE’S FORTUNE continued to prove difficult to settle for some distance, resulting in it being checked away from the heels of GLENEALY VIKING. Shortly after entering the Straight, WHITE DRAGON was steadied away from the heels of GLENEALY VIKING (Z Purton) which shifted out to improve around PUBLIC FIGURE. Z Purton was reprimanded and advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. In the Straight, SPARKLING hung in and proved awkward to ride. Throughout the race, WHITE DRAGON travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE, G Mossé stated that he was instructed to have the horse racing where it was comfortable, however, it was anticipated that if the pace was not fast, BEAUTIFUL CHOICE would be racing behind the pace. He said the pace in the early stages was particularly fast which resulted in BEAUTIFUL CHOICE being further back in the field than had been intended. He said due to BEAUTIFUL CHOICE being further back in the field, he elected to shift out in an attempt to obtain a position one off the fence outside SPLENDID CHAMPION which was racing in advance of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE. He added as he did this, SPLENDID CHAMPION also shifted out which resulted in BEAUTIFUL CHOICE being taken out. He said he then elected to shift back in, however, REDOUTE’S FORTUNE improved its position to be racing inside of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE and for this reason he was not able to shift back in. He said as a result of this BEAUTIFUL CHOICE was left racing in a three wide position. He said passing the 1200 Metres the tempo reduced significantly and BEAUTIFUL CHOICE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPLENDID CHAMPION which itself was racing close to the heels of runners in front. He said for this reason he had no choice but to shift BEAUTIFUL CHOICE out away from the heels of SPLENDID CHAMPION which resulted in the horse racing in a four wide position initially with cover behind WHITE DRAGON. He said when WHITE DRAGON was able to shift in passing the 1000 Metres, BEAUTIFUL CHOICE was then left racing in a position without cover. G Mossé was advised his ride on BEAUTIFUL CHOICE was not up to the standard expected of a rider of his status and he was further advised that in future he should remain racing in advantageous positions rather than having his mounts covering unnecessary ground. G Mossé was also advised that should he again ride in Hong Kong, he would be expected to position his mounts much better than he did on this occasion. When questioned, B Prebble stated that he had been instructed to ride SPLENDID CHAMPION positively in the early stages and take up a forward position. He said the tempo in the early stages was particularly fast, therefore he elected to steady SPLENDID CHAMPION and allow horses racing to his outside to cross. He said after being crossed by LUCKY NISTELROOY near the 1300 Metres, he elected to shift SPLENDID CHAMPION away from the fence into a position to be following GLENEALY VIKING which he considered to be a strong chance in the race. He added when he did this, the pace slackened appreciably and passing the 1200 Metres SPLENDID CHAMPION commenced to prove very difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GLENEALY VIKING for some distance. He said SPLENDID CHAMPION continued to over-race, therefore approaching the 1000 Metres he was obliged to shift SPLENDID CHAMPION away from the heels of GLENEALY VIKING into a three wide position. He said after he did this, SPLENDID CHAMPION continued to race fiercely and had to be checked away from the heels of WHITE DRAGON for some distance. A veterinary inspection of SPLENDID CHAMPION after the race did not show any significant findings. SPLENDID CHAMPION, PUBLIC FIGURE and AMITYSHIP were sent for sampling.