28/03/2009  Shatin  Race 9

After arriving at the Start, an adjustment was made to the surcingle fitted to the saddle of Y T Cheng (RICE FIELD). Also after arriving at the Start, DORDENMA, which had hit its chest on the running rail during the preliminary, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. On jumping, WIN PRACTITIONER and PLASTIC POLYMER bumped. Approaching the 1300 Metres, WIN PRACTITIONER became unbalanced and lost ground while being steadied when momentarily crowded inside the hindquarters of PLASTIC POLYMER. No action was taken. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, RICE FIELD got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of PLASTIC POLYMER which got its head up and hung out. In the middle stages, INTERCHINA STAR hung in. In the Straight, GREAT GUY hung in, after the 300 Metres shifted ground and bumped HE CAN TANGO. For some distance after the 200 Metres, AMPLE GAINS had difficulty obtaining clear running. When questioned, Mr D E Ferraris, trainer of DISGUISE, said from the outside barrier he had instructed Apprentice K C Leung that if the horse began well, he should go into a forward position, however, if DISGUISE did not begin well, he should then ride the horse quietly in an endeavour to ensure it had cover. He said DISGUISE began only fairly and as a consequence Apprentice Leung allowed the horse to drift back to a rearward position. He said at the 800 Metres DISGUISE was left racing wide and without cover and he commenced to improve his position around the field in a similar manner when it was successful at its most recent start. Mr Ferraris said he was disappointed with the manner in which DISGUISE closed the race off, however, he did point out the horse enjoyed a tough run. DISGUISE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of DISGUISE after the race did not show any significant findings. INTERCHINA STAR, SPECIAL DAYS and GEM OF CHIU TON were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HE CAN TANGO was making an abnormal breathing noise.