20/03/2013  Shatin  Race 5

When parading, CHINA POWER became very fractious, reared over backwards and struck its head. CHINA POWER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of CHINA POWER. Before being allowed to race again, CHINA POWER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HAPPY FOREVER shifted in at the start and bumped FUJIAN SPIRIT. From the outside barrier, RAINBOW FIGHTER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 800 Metres, HAPPY FOREVER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of REWARDING HERO which was steadied away from the heels of SLICK BULLET which eased after crossing to the lead. FUJIAN SPIRIT, which was following HAPPY FOREVER, commenced to over-race and shifted out away from the heels of that horse. Approaching the 700 Metres, RAINBOW FIGHTER was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 200 Metres, O Doleuze (HAPPY FOREVER) dropped his whip. When questioned, C Y Ho (SLICK BULLET) stated that he had been instructed to obtain a position behind the leaders if possible. He said after beginning fairly he rode SLICK BULLET along to take up a forward position and it mustered speed quickly in the early stages. He said passing the 1000 Metres he allowed SLICK BULLET to cross REWARDING HERO to his inside and assume the lead. He said near the 800 Metres PACKING CROSS improved its position to his outside and appeared to be travelling keenly and as he did not want to become engaged in a speed battle with that horse, he allowed PACKING CROSS to improve its position, however, he continued to allow SLICK BULLET to maintain its position inside that horse. He said making the first turn SLICK BULLET shifted out towards the heels of PACKING CROSS, resulting in it being severely checked and losing ground. He said SLICK BULLET had previously shifted ground on turning when he had ridden the horse and this was one of the reasons why he continued to allow SLICK BULLET to remain racing inside PACKING CROSS as he wished to utilize that horse in having SLICK BULLET making the turn tractably. He added after this incident SLICK BULLET commenced to travel more kindly, however, near the 400 Metres again shifted out away from the rail and became unbalanced after making contact with the hindquarters of CITY POWER. When SLICK BULLET was checked, REWARDING HERO was checked in consequence. When REWARDING HERO lost ground, HAPPY FOREVER improved its position to be racing in tight room inside REWARDING HERO and approaching the 600 Metres was also checked when unable to maintain its position inside that horse. The Stewards ruled that prior to being permitted to race again, SLICK BULLET will have to barrier trial satisfactorily around a bend. A veterinary inspection of MAGNUMOUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SLICK BULLET, SMILING WATCH and RAINBOW FIGHTER were sent for sampling.