11/10/2009  Shatin  Race 6

Whilst in the Parade Ring, AMERICAN GLORY had its left front plate refitted. AMERICAN GLORY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said, in his opinion, it was suitable to race. After being boxed, SPINNAKER was fractious in the barriers. Before being allowed to race again, SPINNAKER will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. HAPPY WIN was slow to begin. AMERICAN GLORY began awkwardly and then was taken back in the early stages. Shortly after the start, PERPETIEL was steadied away from the heels of VILLAGE KID when crowded for room between that horse and RECORD HIGH which shifted in. Approaching the 1000 Metres, RECORD HIGH got its head up when being steadied to allow MY GOAL to shift in. Throughout the race, MY GOAL travelled wide and without cover. Also throughout the race, RECORD HIGH travelled wide. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HIGH RETURN, W C Marwing stated that whenever he had ridden the horse, he had been instructed to ride it as far forward as possible in the race, however, for a variety of reasons, the horse was not able to have been ridden as far forward as has been intended. He said today HIGH RETURN began very well, he was able to take up a forward position as instructed without having to make use of HIGH RETURN, the horse travelled kindly throughout the race, however, when placed under pressure in the early part of the Straight failed to respond to his riding and was most disappointing in its failure to close off the race. When questioned, G Mossé stated that rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, MY WAY was travelling into the race nicely, however, passing the 400 Metres he was obliged to steady his mount when briefly crowded for room between MY GOAL and NAMJONG HUNTER. He said he then allowed MY WAY to regain its balance before commencing to ride the horse out with the whip. He said he continued to ride the horse out in the Straight with the whip before putting the whip away and riding it out hands and heels over the final 50 Metres. G Mossé was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he should, wherever circumstances permit, ride his mounts out in such a fashion as to leave no room for query. A veterinary inspection of HIGH RETURN and PERPETIEL after the race did not show any significant findings. HIGH RETURN, SOARING DRAGON and MATSUKAZE were sent for sampling.