06/03/2010  Shatin  Race 3

From a wide barrier, FAIRWOOD CROWN was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Also shortly after the start, GORGEOUS RULER shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of LUCKY NISTELROOY which became unbalanced. Passing the 1100 Metres, GORGEOUS RULER, which was reluctant to maintain its position, was steadied away from the heels of TREMENDOUS ADD which got its head on the side and shifted in slightly when being steadied away from the heels of LIONS’ FORTUNE. Then near the 850 Metres, GORGEOUS RULER was again steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of TREMENDOUS ADD which at this time got its head on the side and shifted in away from runners to its outside. No further action was taken. For some distance after this, GORGEOUS RULER continued to be reluctant to hold its position. Also near the 850 Metres, NEW IDEA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LIONS’ FORTUNE which shifted out. Near the 650 Metres, LIONS’ FORTUNE got its head up when being checked away from the heels of LUCKY NISTELROOY. NEW IDEA and AMAZING VENTURE, which were following, were steadied in consequence. Rounding the Home Turn, LIONS’ FORTUNE and TREMENDOUS ADD bumped as TREMENDOUS ADD shifted out to obtain clear running. Over the concluding stages, SAMMY’S FALCON raced in restricted room inside AMBITIOUS DRAGON which got its head on the side and shifted in. In the Straight, LUCKY NISTELROOY hung in and proved difficult to ride. Also in the Straight, GORGEOUS RULER raced greenly. For the majority of the race, SHINING SPUR travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, B Doyle (NEW IDEA) stated that he had been instructed to go forward as it was anticipated there would not be much speed in the early stages. He said he was further instructed to allow the horse’s natural early speed to take him into a forward position rather than to push it along in the early stages as it had over-raced in the past when ridden in this manner, particularly at Happy Valley on 20 January 2010. He said NEW IDEA began well, he allowed his mount to take up a forward position, however, he immediately noticed a number of horses both drawn to his inside and outside being ridden along to obtain forward positions. He said for this reason rather than ride his mount along to obtain a forward position, he elected to take a position in about midfield with cover. He said when ridden in this manner NEW IDEA travelled well throughout the race and was able to finish off the race well. When questioned, M W Leung (FAIRWOOD CROWN) stated that he had been instructed to take the horse towards the rear of the field and to ensure he made his run to the outside of runners in the Straight as the horse had finished well at its most recent start when ridden in this manner. He said rounding the Home Turn he was positioned to the inside of GO STITCH and behind HORSE WIN WIN. He said although there was clear running available to him to the inside of HORSE WIN WIN, he elected to continue to shift to the outside of that horse having in mind his instructions were to come to the outside. He said although GO STITCH was to his outside, he believed he would have to come back too far to get to the outside of that horse rounding the Home Turn. He said in the early part of the Straight FAIRWOOD CROWN was held up for clear running behind HORSE WIN WIN before obtaining a run near the 250 Metres. Trainer T W Leung stated that from barrier 12 he advised M W Leung to ride the horse at the rear of the field as he felt that were the horse to take up a more forward position, it would possibly be obliged to race wide and without cover. He confirmed he also advised Jockey Leung to ensure he brought FAIRWOOD CROWN to the outside in the Straight as the horse had performed well when ridden in this manner at its last start. After viewing the video, M W Leung agreed that a run was available to the inside of HORSE WIN WIN for him to take in the early part of the Straight, however, he was mindful of his instructions and for this reason he persevered to the outside of that horse. M W Leung was advised that whilst he should ride to instructions where possible, he has an obligation to take advantage of favourable runs as they become available. Trainer Leung was advised that his evidence was noted. When questioned regarding the performance of GO STITCH, J Lloyd stated that it had been hoped to ride the horse in a midfield position if possible. He said after being loaded GO STITCH was very fractious and consequently began awkwardly. He said for this reason GO STITCH was obliged to race further back than had been intended. He said in the early part of the Straight GO STITCH responded well to his riding and commenced to close off the race, however, over the final 200 Metres was disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of GO STITCH after the race did not show any significant findings. NEW IDEA, TREMENDOUS ADD and AMBITIOUS DRAGON were sent for sampling. After the race, it was noted that LUCKY NISTELROOY had blood in its right nostril. The Veterinary Officer reported that LUCKY NISTELROOY’s trachea scoped cleanly and therefore the horse was not deemed to have bled.