15/11/2009  Shatin  Race 5

NICE KING was slow to begin. In the early stages, when being restrained, MATSUKAZE (H W Lai) got its head up on a number of occasions and proved difficult to settle. H W Lai was warned against the practice of restraining his mounts when shifting in across the face of the field. Near the 1200 Metres, FLYING SPRINTER was steadied away from the heels of HO WONGCHOY which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HIGH INTELLIGENT. Making the first turn, ENCOSTA DON was momentarily crowded for room inside HO WONGCHOY which itself was crowded for room inside CONQUEROR which got its head on the side and shifted in slightly. In the Straight, ENCOSTA DON got its head on the side and lay in. When questioned, Y T Cheng (TOUCH LUCKY) stated that he was instructed, from a wide barrier, to take up a forward position and lead if the pace was not genuine. He said he was instructed that if other runners were intent on leading, he should obtain a position in 4th or 5th with cover. He said accordingly he rode along in the early stages to take up a forward position and when caught wide was obliged to continue riding forward to obtain a position closer to the fence. When questioned, Apprentice M Chadwick (REDOUTE STAR) said he was instructed to have the horse travelling where it was comfortable. He stated shortly after the start REDOUTE STAR was steadied away from the heels of CONQUEROR and after this, despite him urging the horse along, it would not respond to his riding and raced at the tail of the field, detached from the second last horse. He said he continued to urge REDOUTE STAR along, however, the horse was reluctant to pick up the bit and travel into the race. He said it was not until on straightening when he was able to shift REDOUTE STAR to the outside that the horse responded to his riding and then finished off the race very well. REDOUTE STAR, MATSUKAZE and HIGH INTELLIGENT were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GREAT UNITY had sustained a cut to the outside of the left front cannon. Before being allowed to race again, GREAT UNITY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.