01/10/2009  Shatin  Race 8

HAWKES BAY was slow to begin. Near the 800 Metres, JACKPOT DELIGHT was momentarily tightened for room between GALLANT LION and JOY AND FUN which shifted in slightly. In this incident, JACKPOT DELIGHT bumped GALLANT LION and shifted out, resulting in SIGHT WINNER becoming unbalanced. After this, SIGHT WINNER raced wide and without cover. After being ridden along to obtain a position between JACKPOT DELIGHT and HAWKES BAY rounding the Home Turn, EYSHAL was steadied passing the 400 Metres when crowded for room between HAWKES BAY and JACKPOT DELIGHT which shifted out slightly. EYSHAL was then shifted to the outside of HAWKES BAY to obtain clear running. Passing the 400 Metres, REGENCY DRAGON was briefly crowded for room inside EGYPTIAN RA which, rounding the Home Turn and in the Straight, hung in badly, placing its rider, Apprentice M Chadwick, at a considerable disadvantage. Near the 300 Metres, FELLOWSHIP, which was shifting out to obtain clear running, was steadied away from the heels of NIGHTLIGN which itself shifted out when weakening. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of NIGHTLIGN, J Lloyd stated that whilst his mount raced keenly in the run to the first turn, NIGHTLIGN then travelled kindly with him behind REGENCY DRAGON. He said however when the tempo of the race quickened rounding the Home Turn, both REGENCY DRAGON and EGYPTIAN RA were able to establish a break on NIGHTLIGN which was not able to make up the lost ground and then in the Straight failed to respond to his riding and was disappointing. He did say that he suggested to the connections that NIGHTLIGN be kept at sprint distances in the immediate future. A veterinary inspection of NIGHTLIGN after the race did not show any significant findings. EGYPTIAN RA and FELLOWSHIP were sent for sampling.