01/01/2016  Shatin  Race 5

UNIQUE JOYOUS and KING BOUNTIFUL were slow to begin. Shortly after the start, SPEEDY WALLY got its head up when racing ungenerously. Passing the 300 Metres, KING BOUNTIFUL was held up when racing close to the heels of FRIENDS FOREVER which was giving ground. In the Straight, SPEEDY WALLY raced awkwardly with its head on the side. When questioned, H W Lai stated that from a wide barrier he had been asked to ride FRIENDS FOREVER positively in the early stages if possible. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode FRIENDS FOREVER along for a sustained period in the early stages, however, FRIENDS FOREVER did not show sufficient speed to cross CHANCELLOR which was being hard ridden to his inside. He said as FRIENDS FOREVER was racing wide, he elected to attempt to find cover on the horse rather than to continue to push the horse forward. He said he shifted in in an endeavour to obtain a trailing position behind LEADING HORSE and in front of GLORY STAR, however, GLORY STAR maintained its position to his inside and this resulted in FRIENDS FOREVER being left racing in a three wide position and without cover after the 1100 Metres. H W Lai was advised that whilst the Stewards were satisfied he had made a reasonable attempt in the early stages to obtain a forward position, after it became apparent that he would not be able to obtain cover passing the 1300 Metres, he should have continued forward on FRIENDS FOREVER rather than remained racing in a position three wide and without cover. H W Lai was further advised to ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner so that they do not cover unnecessary ground. A veterinary inspection of DRAGON HARMONY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LEADING HORSE and UNICORN were sent for sampling.