21/03/2010  Shatin  Race 6

After being loaded, JOLLY WONGCHOY became fractious and repeatedly kicked out the back gates. JOLLY WONGCHOY was unloaded from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, JOLLY WONGCHOY will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. Also after being loaded, APEX became fractious and reared. APEX then began very awkwardly and lost a considerable amount of ground at the start. In this incident, D Whyte, its rider, lost the use of his left stirrup iron for a short distance. D Whyte reported that after this APEX’s action did not feel comfortable at any stage and he had concerns with the manner in which the horse travelled. As APEX was having its first start today since being required to barrier trial satisfactorily, the Stewards ruled that APEX must satisfactorily undertake a series of consecutive official barrier trials prior to racing again. SUPER GENTLEMAN was slow to begin. MATSUKAZE shifted out at the start and bumped PRIVATE ROAD. For a short distance after the start, B Prebble (CHEEKY LAD) lost the use of his left stirrup iron. Near the 1300 Metres, PRIVATE ROAD was checked and lost its position when crowded for room between SUPER GENTLEMAN and TRAVEL KING (M Chadwick) which was directed in by JOLLY WONGCHOY (A Suborics). In the circumstances, the Stewards deemed it appropriate to issue a severe reprimand against A Suborics and he was advised to ensure that he leaves sufficient racing room for runners to his inside in future. M Chadwick was warned regarding the standard of the evidence he provided at the inquiry into this incident. For some distance approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, SUPER GENTLEMAN proved difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of LUCKY NISTELROOY. KIMBER FORTUNE made the turn near the 850 Metres awkwardly and shifted out, resulting in LUCKY NISTELROOY being crowded for room. Also making the turn near the 850 Metres, TRAVEL KING shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHEEKY LAD. Passing the 800 Metres, PRIVATE ROAD was bumped by RACING LEGEND which, when racing keenly, improved to be racing between PRIVATE ROAD and HAPPY CHA CHA. HAPPY CHA CHA was unable to obtain clear running over the final 200 Metres and consequently was not tested. Also over the final 200 Metres, LUCKY NISTELROOY had some difficulty obtaining clear running. Near the 100 Metres, SOHNA, which was held up for clear running, was checked when disappointed for running between TOUT VA BIEN and KIMBER FORTUNE which shifted in slightly after being bumped by MATSUKAZE. After this, SOHNA was not able to obtain clear running. Near the 50 Metres, RACING LEGEND was checked when disappointed for running between GOLD RUSH and JOLLY WONGCHOY which at this time shifted in. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that RACING LEGEND had not fully established clear running to the inside of JOLLY WONGCHOY at this time, A Suborics was nonetheless reprimanded and advised to ensure he keeps his mounts on a straight course in future. Throughout the race, JOLLY WONGCHOY travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of CHEEKY LAD and APEX after the race did not show any significant findings. TRAVEL KING and JOLLY WONGCHOY were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MATSUKAZE had sustained an abrasion to its right hock.