01/05/2011  Shatin  Race 9

LEO’S PRIDE stood flat-footed at the start and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, LEO’S PRIDE will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. Approaching the 1200 Metres, HAPPY SEVEN became unbalanced when checked away from the heels of TRAVEL GUIDE. After the 1200 Metres, OPEN SESAME commenced to over-race and got its head up for some distance when awkwardly placed close to the heels of REAL SUPREME. OPEN SESAME then continued to prove very difficult to settle. Approaching the 600 Metres, OPEN SESAME, which continued to over-race, was severely checked away from the heels of LOMBARDI and blundered. FINEZZA, which was following OPEN SESAME, was shifted out to avoid that horse. HAPPY SEVEN had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Near the 300 Metres, EASTERN EMPIRE was steadied after racing in restricted room between TRAVEL GUIDE and CHAMPAGNE DAYS which was taken in by LOMBARDI (Apprentice K C Leung). Apprentice Leung was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every effort to keep his mounts on a straight course. Near the 100 Metres, when changing his whip from his right hand into his left hand, Apprentice Leung dropped his whip. As this is the fifth occasion that Apprentice Leung had been found to have dropped his whip, he was fined the sum of $5,000. Apprentice Leung was further advised that should he offend again in a similar manner this season, the Stewards may impose a more substantial penalty. A veterinary inspection of EASTERN EMPIRE after the race did not show any significant findings. REAL SUPREME and FINEZZA were sent for sampling.