15/11/2009  Shatin  Race 10

AMPLE GAINS began awkwardly and lost ground at the start. TOY STORY was slow to begin. Passing the 1500 Metres, SILVER BLAZE was steadied away from the heels of JOHNSON (Apprentice K C Leung) which shifted in when not quite clear. A short distance later, SILVER BLAZE struck the heels of JOHNSON and blundered as JOHNSON was being steadied. Apprentice Leung was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear at all times when shifting ground and to allow his mounts to continue forward so as not to place runners behind him in an awkward position. Near the 300 Metres, FLYING CHINA was steadied and shifted out when crowded for room between SOUTH BREEZE and SILVER BLAZE which was taken in by ALGARVE. When questioned regarding his riding of SILVER BLAZE in the Straight, S K Sit stated that he placed his mount under pressure in the early part of the Straight and applied the whip on the horse leading up to the 200 Metres. He said that, in his opinion, SILVER BLAZE was only finishing off the race fairly, therefore he elected not to use the whip again but rather to ride it out hands and heels to the winning post. S K Sit was advised that his riding of SILVER BLAZE in the Straight had come under notice and that he should ensure he rides his mounts in such a fashion so as to leave no room for query. A veterinary inspection of FIRST BEAT after the race revealed that the horse had bled from both nostrils. ALGARVE and SAPELLI were sent for sampling.