16/05/2015  Shatin  Race 8

WRATH OF FIRE was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, MONSIEUR MOGOK was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1600 Metres, SERGEANT TITANIUM was momentarily crowded for room inside INDUSTRIALIST WAY (T H So) which shifted in before being shifted out abruptly to relieve the tightening. T H So was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. BEST SHOW lost its right front plate near the 1100 Metres. Near the 1000 Metres, RED PEONY was left racing wide and without cover. H W Lai (FLYING UNICORN) was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out all the way to the end of the race at least hands and heels where circumstances permit. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CASH COURIER, Z Purton stated that his mount did not travel on the bit at any stage of the race and after coming under pressure rounding the Home Turn did not respond to his riding in the early part of the Straight. He said whilst CASH COURIER was awkwardly placed inside the heels of INDUSTRIALIST WAY for some distance approaching and passing the 300 Metres, CASH COURIER was not travelling well enough to improve inside INDUSTRIALIST WAY and establish running to that horse’s inside. He said as CASH COURIER was not responding to his riding and was giving ground, he eased it down over the concluding stages. He added after the race there did not appear to be anything significantly amiss with CASH COURIER, therefore he formed the opinion that the horse did not appear to be comfortable on today’s surface which was loose on top. Mr C S Shum, the trainer of CASH COURIER, stated that he had added sheepskin cheek pieces to CASH COURIER’s gear on the recommendation of Jockey Purton as the horse is lazy in its track work. He said CASH COURIER had worked well in the lead up to today’s race and based on this work he anticipated that it would perform well. He said he was particularly disappointed by the manner in which CASH COURIER weakened out of the race in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of CASH COURIER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CASH COURIER was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CASH COURIER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CASH COURIER, HAPPY SUMMER and AUTUMN GOLD were sent for sampling .