24/01/2010  Shatin  Race 4

TRAVEL KING began awkwardly, then for a number of strides after the start threw its head in the air, was reluctant to race and lost a considerable amount of ground. M Chadwick reported that when TRAVEL KING threw its head up on the first occasion, he was struck in the face by TRAVEL KING’s head. Before being allowed to race again, TRAVEL KING will have to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. NOBLE DE BEST was checked when crowded for room shortly after the start between SUPER GENTLEMAN which got its head on the side and shifted in abruptly and DIVINE KID which was taken out by PLOT RATIO which in turn was taken out by GOLD RUSH. After the 800 Metres, DASH was left racing wide and without cover. For some distance passing the 600 Metres, AMAZING VENTURE (Apprentice M L Yeung) was checked away from the heels of MARS EXPRESS. In this incident, AMAZING VENTURE shifted out away from the heels of MARS EXPRESS, causing MARK UP to race in restricted room between AMAZING VENTURE and PLOT RATIO. Apprentice Yeung was told he should take sufficient measures to ensure that horses ridden by him do not race too close to the heels of runners in front. At the 300 Metres, G Cheyne (PUBLIC FIGURE) dropped his whip. Passing the 300 Metres, DIVINE KID was steadied when disappointed for running between PUBLIC FIGURE and MARK UP which was shifting out to obtain clear running. Approaching the 200 Metres, MARS EXPRESS was severely checked when crowded for room on the inside of AMAZING VENTURE which, when obtaining running to the inside of GALLOPY (K L Chui), was taken in by that horse which got its head on the side and shifted in marginally when giving ground. As the Stewards were of the opinion that K L Chui had taken sufficient measures to prevent his mount from shifting inwards, no further action was taken. Also near the 200 Metres, PUBLIC FIGURE became unbalanced when bumped by MARK UP (A Gryder) which shifted out from behind GOLD RUSH. A Gryder was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he does not cause interference when shifting ground in future. Near the 50 Metres, AMAZING VENTURE and DIVINE KID brushed when AMAZING VENTURE was disappointed for running between CLASSA SUPREME and DIVINE KID. After this, AMAZING VENTURE was not able to obtain clear running and consequently was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. GOLD RUSH, MARK UP and SUPER GENTLEMAN were sent for sampling.