17/10/2009  Shatin  Race 5

KING FAY FAY was withdrawn on 15.10.09 by order of the Stewards (stable transfer) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter NEW IDEA. After being loaded into the barriers, SICHUAN HERO became fractious and sat down, resulting in Z Purton being dislodged. SICHUAN HERO was removed from the barrier stalls and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said, in his opinion, it was suitable to race. Z Purton was examined by the Club’s medical officers and passed fit to ride. Before being allowed to race again, SICHUAN HERO will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. NEW IDEA was slow to begin, then making the first turn proved difficult to settle and shifted out, resulting in MAGIC TURBO being inconvenienced. GOLDEN BALL, which was following MAGIC TURBO, was hampered in consequence. Shortly after the start, SPICY FRUITY was taken across behind runners to obtain a position on the rail. Also shortly after the start, WESTERN STAR was crowded for room between SICHUAN HERO and ROCKALOT which shifted out. As a result, WESTERN STAR was steadied away from the heels of SICHUAN HERO. Making the turn at the 650 Metres, NEW IDEA shifted out and was steadied away from the heels of SICHUAN HERO. MAGIC TURBO and GOLDEN BALL, which were following, were hampered. Also making the turn at the 650 Metres, MIGHTY SUN became unbalanced when momentarily crowded for room inside SUPER PEGASUS which itself raced tight inside ALICE TOO. SUPER PEGASUS was bumped on a number of occasions approaching and rounding the Home Turn by MIGHTY SUN (Apprentice M L Yeung) which shifted to the outside of HAPPY SEVEN to obtain clear running. Apprentice Yeung was severely reprimanded and told to ensure that he exercises due care when shifting ground in future. Rounding the Home Turn, NEW IDEA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SICHUAN HERO. At the entrance to the Straight, NEW IDEA was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of ALICE TOO which was weakening. At the 200 Metres, GOLDEN BALL was steadied and shifted to the outside of SUPER PEGASUS which was weakening in an endeavour to find clear running. A short distance later, GOLDEN BALL was again steadied when having difficulty obtaining clear running between SUPER PEGASUS and NEW IDEA which shifted in slightly. Throughout the race, WESTERN STAR and ALICE TOO travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of SUPER PEGASUS and SICHUAN HERO after the race did not show any significant findings. MIGHTY SUN and SPICY FRUITY were sent for sampling. After the running of this race, Z Purton was again examined by the Club’s medical officers who advised that he was fit to fulfil his remaining riding engagements.