01/10/2009  Shatin  Race 4

Just prior to the start being effected, SAMMY’S FORTUNE got its left hind leg on the barrier platform. Consequently SAMMY’S FORTUNE was slow to begin. Over the final 100 Metres, SPRING SMILES got its head on the side and hung in. When questioned regarding his riding in the early stages on BRAVO HORSE, Apprentice T H So explained that from barrier 11, he had been instructed to take a position behind the leaders, however, if the pace was slow, it would be acceptable to lead. He said he rode his mount along in the early stages, however, BRAVO HORSE did not show sufficient speed to cross NOBLE TWINS which was racing to his inside, therefore he elected to shift in and try to obtain a position with cover. He said as he attempted to shift in to race behind REAL REJOICING passing the 1400 Metres, NOBLE TWINS shifted away from the fence into the one off position, resulting in BRAVO HORSE being obliged to race three deep and without cover for the remainder of the race. When questioned, Apprentice M Chadwick stated that due to an anticipated lack of speed and the fact that LITTLE BIG BOY had drawn the outside barrier, it was decided to obtain a forward position in the early stages before handing up and allowing runners to cross in front if possible. He said accordingly he rode LITTLE BIG BOY along in the early stages, was able to take a position on the fence and then steadied LITTLE BIG BOY to allow COVER BOY to shift across in the lead. He said LITTLE BIG BOY did not travel at any stage thereafter and then failed to respond to his riding in the Straight and was disappointing. He did state, in his opinion, the tactics adopted on LITTLE BIG BOY may not have suited the horse today. Trainer D E Ferraris confirmed the riding instructions issued to Apprentice Chadwick and added that it was felt that, due to the anticipated slow tempo of the race, LITTLE BIG BOY would have been left with too much to do if it was obliged to race back in the field today. A veterinary inspection of LITTLE BIG BOY and SAMMY’S FORTUNE after the race did not show any significant findings. FUJIAN PRINCE and ENERGETIC BOY were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SPEED AND GOLD had lost its right front plate.