01/01/2010  Shatin  Race 7

After arriving at the Start, ULTRA FANTASY had its tongue tie refitted. POLYGOLD was slow to begin. Passing the 700 Metres, DIAMOND KNIGHT (J Victoire) got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of NEW GLORY. J Victoire reported that due to the manner in which DIAMOND KNIGHT raced during this section of the event, the horse was not able to finish off the race today. A veterinary inspection of DIAMOND KNIGHT after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding his riding of BOUNCER, C W Wong stated that he was advised that the horse had previously been slow to begin in its races and was expected it would get back in today’s race. He added he was further advised to see how the horse began today and then to ride it where it was comfortable. He said BOUNCER did not begin well and then despite being ridden along in the early stages failed to show any speed. He said accordingly BOUNCER settled at the rear of the field. He stated he rode BOUNCER along continually from the start until the 850 Metres in an endeavour to have it take up a more forward position. He said making the turn at the 850 Metre he was obliged to steady BOUNCER away from the heels of EASY WINNER which shifted in and that the horse lost ground at this point. He said shortly after this he recommenced riding BOUNCER along vigorously hands and heels to have it improve its position, however, the horse, despite being ridden along, did not make any significant ground on the horses which were racing in advance of it. He said he shifted BOUNCER out rounding the Home Turn to make his run down the outside and commenced using the whip on the horse passing the 300 Metres at which point it ran in closer to the inside. He said he put the whip away and straightened BOUNCER before recommencing riding the horse out with the whip passing the 200 Metres. He said he struck BOUNCER with the whip on a number of occasions and although the horse was continuing to make ground, he stopped using the whip as he believed that it was out of contention. He added when he put the whip away, BOUNCER continued to make ground to the line. C W Wong was told his riding of BOUNCER in the Straight had come under notice and had nearly placed him in breach of a serious Rule of Racing. He was advised that at all times he must ride his mounts competitively to ensure that there is no room for query. C W Wong was further severely reprimanded for his riding of the horse over the final 100 Metres and reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out right to the end of the race wherever possible. A veterinary inspection of NEW GLORY after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. CRAIG’S DRAGON, ULTRA FANTASY and PRESTO were sent for sampling.