05/04/2009  Shatin  Race 5

GIVE WELL began awkwardly and bumped the inside gate of its stall, causing D Whyte, its rider, to become unbalanced. As a consequence, GIVE WELL lost ground. CLOVIS was slow to begin. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, WONG’S SUCCESS failed to muster. At the 600 Metres, FOREVER FORTUNE was steadied away from the heels of EVER KING and WONG’S SUCCESS was steadied away from the heels of GALAXEE. Prior to straightening, FOREVER FORTUNE was steadied when crowded for room between GALAXEE and GIVE WELL, both of which shifted ground. No action was taken. For a considerable distance after straightening, ZEPHYRUS was held up and unable to obtain clear running. At the 300 Metres, CLOVIS was steadied when disappointed for running between LUCKY MONEY STAR and ZEPHYRUS. At the 150 Metres, LUCKY MONEY STAR was checked when disappointed for running between SAMBUOYANT which commenced to give ground and HARRY HARRY which when giving ground was taken out slightly by ZEPHYRUS. After the 100 Metres, VANQUISH DELIGHT was momentarily tightened for room between EVER KING and GIVE WELL. When questioned regarding his riding in the Home Straight, W C Marwing (VANQUISH DELIGHT) explained on straightening he shifted his mount wider on the track to be in a position to follow EVER KING. He said he had hoped EVER KING would carry him forward in the early part of the Straight. He said VANQUISH DELIGHT today was stepping up in distance to 1800 Metres for the first time and he felt it would be in the horse’s best interest for it not to make a sustained run. He said because of this he followed EVER KING, however, near the 300 Metres it became apparent to him that horse would not continue going forward, he therefore looked to his outside, came back slightly away from the heels of EVER KING and then at the 200 Metres shifted out into clear running. He said once in the clear VANQUISH DELIGHT closed the race off strongly, however, did hang in which placed him at a disadvantage in riding his mount out. W C Marwing was told in similar circumstances he should where possible ensure his mounts obtain clear running at the earliest opportunity. GIVE WELL, ZEPHYRUS and VANQUISH DELIGHT were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BATURO had lost its right front plate and GALAXEE had sustained a cut to the inside of its right hind heel.