14/03/2010  Shatin  Race 4

INDUSTRIAL LEGEND, GOOD FORTUNE and PRINCE OF LUCK were slow to begin. From the outside barrier, CHEERFUL DOUBLE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, NICE KING was steadied away from the heels of CONQUEROR which shifted out. For some distanced approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, RED LOTUS got its head in the air when being checked away from the heels of INFALLIBLE CHOICE. Shortly after entering into the Straight, MOONGLOW was momentarily crowded for room between THE UNTOUCHABLELAD which was shifting out to improve its position and INFALLIBLE CHOICE which shifted in when commencing to give ground. After the 200 Metres, GOOD FORTUNE got it head on the side and shifted out. Throughout the race, both PRINCE OF LUCK and INFALLIBLE CHOICE travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of INFALLIBLE CHOICE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, INFALLIBLE CHOICE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, Trainer P F Yiu stated that at its most recent start when ridden in a handy position, RED LOTUS, as instanced in the Stewards’ report, had proved difficult to settle and over-raced. He said for this reason, from barrier 10, he advised H W Lai, the rider of RED LOTUS, to position the horse behind midfield and to ensure that it settled. He said from today’s barrier draw, he felt that were RED LOTUS to be ridden in a similar manner to last start, the horse may be left racing wide and may prove difficult to settle. A veterinary inspection of CRISTAL MAGNUM after the race did not show any significant findings. THE UNTOUCHABLELAD, PIZZAZZ and GOOD FORTUNE were sent for sampling.