06/12/2009  Shatin  Race 4

EPEE DE HUA began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped SOUND OF SILENCE. ALMIGHTY was slow to begin. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, WESTERN STAR was steadied away from the heels of SOUND OF SILENCE which shifted out slightly. Approaching the 1400 Metres, SOUND OF SILENCE raced tight between LUCKY MONEY STAR and EPEE DE HUA which shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of WEALTH SYNERGY. Near the 1000 Metres, SOUND OF SILENCE and EPEE DE HUA were taken wider by MASTER TOWER which shifted out to race in a one-off position. Shortly after entering the Straight, C K Tong (EPEE DE HUA) dropped his whip. Near the 250 Metres, COULDN’T CARE LESS, which was endeavouring to obtain a tight run between WADADELIGHT and EPEE DE HUA, was checked when EPEE DE HUA shifted out slightly. C K Tong was advised to make every endeavour to keep his mounts on a straight course in similar circumstances. For some distance passing the 100 Metres, COULDN’T CARE LESS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of WING MASTER (W Pike), then over the concluding stages was steadied away from the heels of that horse which shifted in. W Pike was advised to ensure he keeps his mounts on a straight course wherever possible. The performance of SOUND OF SILENCE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SOUND OF SILENCE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Following the race, D Beadman (WADADELIGHT) reported that, on pulling up, he observed that the horse had its tongue over the bit. When questioned, Apprentice K W Leung (ALMIGHTY) said he rode his mount along in the early stages to take up as forward a position as possible. He said however ALMIGHTY failed to show any early speed and got back in the field. He said rounding the first turn he obtained a position behind WADADELIGHT, however, ALMIGHTY failed to show sufficient speed to be able to maintain this position which allowed WING MASTER to shift in from a three wide position in front of ALMIGHTY passing the 1200 Metres. Apprentice Leung was advised to ensure he maintains favourable positions on his horses where circumstances permit. When questioned regarding the improved performance of GOLDEN BOY, Trainer C W Chang advised that following its most recent run at the course and distance on 17 October 2009, the horse was required to barrier trial after being beaten many lengths in this race. He said in its barrier trial on 23 October 2009, the horse won the trial after leading throughout and, in his opinion, this trial was good. He said after its most recent start at Happy Valley over 1000 Metres, he decided to enter the horse for this race as he was of the belief that it may be able to lead on its own as it did in the trial. He said, as he had hoped, GOLDEN BOY was able to lead with its light weight today and, in his opinion, this was the principal reason for the horse’s improved performance. He said although GOLDEN BOY was supported in betting today, this support was not stable inspired as he did not believe the horse was a betting proposition. Mr Chang was advised that now that GOLDEN BOY had shown form, it would be expected to race in a consistent manner. When questioned, C K Tong stated that EPEE DE HUA travelled satisfactorily until about the 500 Metres at which point the horse came under pressure. He said although he dropped his whip shortly after entering the Straight, EPEE DE HUA was somewhat disappointing in that it failed to finish off the race as it did at its most recent start on the turf. A veterinary inspection of EPEE DE HUA after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a mild amount of mucus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of WADADELIGHT and SOUND OF SILENCE after the race did not show any significant findings. MASTER TOWER, GOLDEN BOY and ALMIGHTY were sent for sampling.