29/11/2009  Shatin  Race 8

KING DANCER was slow to begin. Near the 1600 Metres, FEARLESS, which was being taken across behind runners, was checked away from the heels of KING DANCER which itself was steadied when crowded for room between AMBITIOUS GENERAL which shifted out slightly and BEAUTY FOREVER (Z Purton) which shifted in. Z Purton was severely reprimanded. When questioned regarding his riding of REALLY HAPPY, Apprentice M Chadwick stated that, as was the case at its most recent start, he was instructed to lead on the horse. He said, unlike last start, REALLY HAPPY began well today and was able to travel into a forward position with only a minimal amount of use being made of the horse in the early stages. He said however, that once reaching the lead, REALLY HAPPY raced more keenly than it had at its first up run this season and proved somewhat difficult to settle. He said that although he was aware the tempo of the race was fast, it was his opinion he would have had to restrain REALLY HAPPY excessively to have it come back underneath him. He added that his allocated trainer, Mr A S Cruz, has told him on a number of occasions that he is not to overly restrain his mounts in races. Mr Cruz confirmed the instructions given to Apprentice Chadwick on REALLY HAPPY and stated that the horse can prove difficult to settle in its track work. He also confirmed that he has previously impressed upon jockeys riding for him not to overly restrain their mounts as he believes this is not in their best interests to do so. Apprentice Chadwick was advised that whilst the Stewards were mindful of the instructions given to him by Mr Cruz, he should in similar circumstances make some effort to have his mounts settle so as not to run too fast a pace and therefore be unable to finish off their races. When questioned regarding his riding over the concluding stages on FAT CHOY ICHIBAN, B Prebble stated that he tested the horse vigorously in the Straight and felt that its run had ended passing the 100 Metres. He said at this time FAT CHOY ICHIBAN shortened stride and following the race he advised Mr C H Yip, the trainer of FAT CHOY ICHIBAN, to have the horse scoped. He said he continued to ride FAT CHOY ICHIBAN all the way to the finishing line even though he held some concerns regarding the manner in which it shortened stride over the final stages of the race. When questioned, J Winks (VIGOR DELIGHT) stated that he was instructed to lead on the horse if able and to commence making his run from the 700 Metres as it is the connections’ opinion that VIGOR DELIGHT is one-paced. He said due to the fast early tempo, he positioned his mount behind LU YUE in the early stages and although instructed to make his run from the 700 Metres, he delayed doing so due to the tempo of the race. He said he shifted VIGOR DELIGHT out from behind LU YUE passing the 700 Metres, but did not commence to ride the horse along until near the 600 Metres due to the manner in which the race was run in the early stages. Mr C Fownes, trainer of VIGOR DELIGHT, stated that after speaking with the owner of the horse, it had been decided to instruct J Winks to lead if possible, but in any case to ensure VIGOR DELIGHT was ridden along from leaving the 800 Metres in an endeavour to have the race truly run. He said it was felt that if ridden in this manner, this would provide VIGOR DELIGHT with the best opportunity to win the race. He said accordingly he was satisfied with the manner in which J Winks rode VIGOR DELIGHT today. FAT CHOY ICHIBAN, APPRECIATION and LU YUE were sent for sampling.