01/12/2013  Shatin  Race 3

CRIMSON HEART began very awkwardly, shifted out and made heavy contact with SMART KIDS. A short distance later, CRIMSON HEART was checked when crowded for room between SMART KIDS and LUCKY SCEPTER which shifted out after beginning awkwardly. After this, LUCKY SCEPTER was taken across behind runners. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, SMART KIDS failed to muster speed. After the 1000 Metres, LUCKY SCEPTER became unbalanced when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed close to the heels of runners in front. Making the turn after the 700 Metres, SMART KIDS got its head on the side and hung out. Over the concluding stages, FORZA and DEHERE’S THE LOVE raced tight. Throughout the race, CRIMSON HEART travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if MAROON PRINCE had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from T Angland, Trainer J Moore and Starter, Mr T McGovern. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the videos of the race, the Stewards ascertained that as the start was effected, MAROON PRINCE bounded in the air, resulting in T Angland hitting his head on the overhead crossbar and MAROON PRINCE losing a significant amount of ground. As the Stewards formed the view that MAROON PRINCE had caused its own difficulties and that no other circumstance had contributed to this matter, MAROON PRINCE was found to have had a fair start and accordingly was deemed to be a runner. Having in mind this was the second occasion that MAROON PRINCE had caused difficulties at the start, the Stewards ruled that that horse must perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a series of consecutive official barrier trials before being allowed to race again. When questioned, U Rispoli stated that, from barrier 9, he had been asked to ride HURRY HURRY UP behind the pace if possible, however, he was to ensure that the horse obtained cover. He said HURRY HURRY UP began well and he initially commenced to ride the horse along, however, DEHERE’S THE LOVE to his inside was vigorously ridden along to obtain a forward position and he believed he would have had to make too much use of HURRY HURRY UP in order to try and cross that horse and further that HURRY HURRY UP may not have been able to obtain cover as he was asked. He added therefore in the early stages of the race he elected to shift HURRY HURRY UP behind DEHERE’S THE LOVE and followed that horse. He said although this resulted in HURRY HURRY UP racing further back that had been intended, he did ensure that the horse was able to obtain cover. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SMART KIDS was coughing. An endoscopic examination of SMART KIDS did not reveal any significant findings. FORZA and DEHERE’S THE LOVE were sent for sampling.