25/10/2009  Shatin  Race 8

EYSHAL began awkwardly and lost a considerable amount of ground. HAWKES BAY shifted out at the start, resulting in THUMBS UP being hampered. Passing the 1400 Metres, THUMBS UP was momentarily crowded for room inside COLLECTION which shifted in slightly. Near the 1300 Metres, COLLECTION got its head up when checked away from the heels of EXPRESS WIN which lost some ground at this stage. When being checked, COLLECTION shifted in, resulting in THUMBS UP being checked when crowded for room between that horse and EYSHAL. HELENE MASCOT, which was following, was hampered in consequence. Also in this incident, VIVA PATACA, which was following COLLECTION, got its head up when being steadied away from that horse. As the Stewards did not believe any rider was responsible for this incident, no further action was taken. For some distance between the 300 Metres and the 200 Metres, FELLOWSHIP (Apprentice K C Leung) was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOOD BA BA when attempting to obtain clear running to the outside of that horse. Apprentice Leung was warned against the practice of allowing his mounts to race too close to the heels of runners in front. Near the 150 Metres, THUMBS UP was momentarily steadied away from the heels of MR MEDICI which shifted out. D Whyte, the rider of the 8th placegetter, SIGHT WINNER, was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out right to the end of the race wherever possible. When questioned, G Mossé (EXPRESS WIN) stated that he had been instructed to obtain a 4th or 5th position with cover if possible. He said he allowed SIGHT WINNER, which had drawn immediately to his inside, to improve its position in the early stages in anticipation of being able to shift in to obtain cover behind that horse. He said however that GOOD BA BA improved its position to be racing directly underneath EXPRESS WIN and as such EXPRESS WIN was obliged to race three wide and without cover throughout the race. THUMBS UP, PACKING WINNER and MR MEDICI were sent for sampling.