04/11/2009  Shatin  Race 1

GO STITCH, which was fractious in the gates, began awkwardly and consequently lost ground. GLITTERING got its head up on a number of occasions shortly after the start. Passing the 1000 Metres, ALMIGHTY was steadied away from the heels of NIGHT HUNTER III which shifted in when barely clear. A short distance later, GLITTERING, which was racing ungenerously and getting its head up, was checked away from the heels of NIGHT HUNTER III which continued to shift in. For some distance after this, GLITTERING continued to prove difficult to settle. Passing the 500 Metres, WING MASTER shifted out and bumped NIGHT HUNTER III, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. Near the 400 Metres, GLITTERING was steadied when crowded for room between ALMIGHTY and GO STITCH (G Cheyne) which shifted out when not clear. G Cheyne was reprimanded and advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Passing the 300 Metres, GO STITCH raced tight between NIGHT HUNTER III and WING MASTER which shifted out slightly. When questioned, Apprentice M Chadwick (TREASURE HUNT) stated that he had been instructed to obtain a forward position if possible, however, if the horse did not begin well, to shift in and obtain cover wherever it was comfortable. He said after beginning only fairly, TREASURE HUNT bumped with NIGHT HUNTER III shortly after the start. He said rather than ride his mount vigorously to obtain a forward position, he elected to shift in behind runners and obtain a position on the rails with cover. When questioned, Apprentice T H So (HONEST TREASURE) stated that he attempted to shift in from the four wide position into a three wide position rounding the first turn, however, he received calls from his inside which indicated to him that he was not clear of NIGHT HUNTER III to cross. He said for this reason he elected to remain in a four wide position without cover rather than shifting ground and causing interference. Apprentice So conceded, after looking at the video, that his mount would have been better served by being ridden along at that stage to ensure he was sufficiently clear so as to shift in and save ground. He was advised to avoid racing wider than necessary wherever possible. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ALMIGHTY, D Whyte stated that although the horse was obliged to race wide throughout the race, it was most disappointing in that he placed it under pressure to improve its position near the 500 Metres, however, it did not respond to his riding at any stage in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of ALMIGHTY, GLITTERING and BLUE SAINT after the race did not show any significant findings. ALMIGHTY, NEWSWIRE TOO and ALIVE AND KICKING were sent for sampling.