28/03/2009  Shatin  Race 8

BROM BROM, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 27.3.09 by order of the Stewards (stable transfer). After being boxed, FORTUNE RED PEPPER became very fractious. Before being allowed to race again, FORTUNE RED PEPPER will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. On jumping, SOLAR ENERGY was taken back. Approaching the 1000 Metres, GREAT HEART and FORTUNE RED PEPPER were checked when crowded for room between STREET CAT and GOLD WINNER which when being steadied away from the heels of HIGH MARK got its head up, proved difficult to settle, raced ungenerously and shifted in. In this incident, STREET CAT shifted out after being bumped on its hindquarters by GREAT HEART. For some distance after this incident, GOLD WINNER, which was racing without cover, continued to race ungenerously and proved difficult to settle. Approaching the turn at the 800 Metres, STREET CAT, which was over-racing, was steadied away from the heels of HIGH MARK which shifted in when not quite clear. At the 300 Metres, CLASSA, which was commencing to close the race off strongly, was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of GOLD WINNER. Over about the final 200 Metres, SOLAR ENERGY and DEFERENTIAL raced tight and as a consequence were not able to be ridden out fully to the end of the race. When questioned, Apprentice T H So (CLASSA) said he had been instructed that if his mount which was having its first race start in Hong Kong did not begin well, he should allow it to travel where it was comfortable. He said on jumping CLASSA got its head up and lost ground. After viewing the official video of the start, Apprentice So conceded he came out of the barriers on the mouth of CLASSA. He said after beginning in the manner in which it did, he shifted CLASSA across to race on the rail at the rear. He said CLASSA relaxed and travelled nicely in the run. He said on straightening he commenced to shift CLASSA out to make his run. He said after the 300 Metres when CLASSA commenced to make ground he checked and shifted in away from the heels of GOLD WINNER which was giving ground. He said after this CLASSA closed the race off strongly. Mr L Ho, trainer of CLASSA, explained the horse when racing overseas and in its trials in Hong Kong had not been a good beginner. He said therefore it was anticipated CLASSA might not begin well today. He said after crossing to the fence in the early stages, he was somewhat disappointed that some more use had not been made of CLASSA to improve its position. Apprentice So was told his riding of CLASSA had come under notice and he should ride his mounts in a manner which is not open to query. This includes allowing his mounts sufficient rein to jump cleanly and also affords them clear running in the Straight wherever possible. CRAIG’S DRAGON, BOOMING CITY and GALEN WIN were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported STREET CAT had lost its right front plate.