24/06/2012  Shatin  Race 10

B Prebble (MIGHTY K) was fined $5,000 for weighing in after the race 2 lbs overweight. MASTER GUNNER was slow to begin. WINNING LEADER shifted out at the start and bumped ANCIENT KINGDOM. After being crossed by PLENTIFUL, HAPPY CERAMIBO proved very difficult to settle and near the 900 Metres was checked away from the heels of that horse. For some distance after this, HAPPY CERAMIBO continued to prove difficult to settle. Approaching the 800 Metres, ANCIENT KINGDOM was left racing wide and without cover. When questioned, C K Tong stated that he had been instructed to take up a more forward position on PLENTIFUL as, in the opinion of the connections, today’s track had been favouring horses that had been ridden on the pace. He said it had been hoped that PLENTIFUL would be able to obtain a position in about 5th or 6th placing if possible. He said in accordance with his instructions, he rode PLENTIFUL along in the early stages, however, when a number of runners were positioned to his inside, he was obliged to continue forward on PLENTIFUL rather than remain racing wide. He said this resulted in PLENTIFUL racing in a position slightly more forward than had been intended. Mr P F Yiu, trainer of PLENTIFUL, confirmed the instructions given to C K Tong and said that it was not intended for PLENTIFUL to be ridden as far forward as it was, however, the circumstances of the race resulted in PLENTIFUL being ridden slightly more forward than had been intended. WINNING LEADER and MIGHTY K were sent for sampling.