21/03/2010  Shatin  Race 9

TOP HONOR, which proved very difficult to load, will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test before being allowed to race again. The performance of MASTER DRAGON, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MASTER DRAGON 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, Y T Cheng stated that he had been instructed to be positive on IMPLIED VOLATILITY in the early stages to offset the horse’s outside barrier. He said at its most recent start IMPLIED VOLATILITY had proved difficult to restrain when racing behind horses. He said accordingly he ensured that IMPLIED VOLATILITY began well, he gradually shifted across to race outside and in advance of FAT DRAGON near the 1500 Metres. He said at this time he attempted to steady IMPLIED VOLATILITY to allow FAT DRAGON to improve its position to his inside, however, due to the quick tempo of the race in the early stages, FAT DRAGON remained racing inside and behind IMPLIED VOLATILITY. He said as IMPLIED VOLATILITY was racing comfortably, he allowed the horse to continue on and cross FAT DRAGON near the 800 Metres. Trainer Y O Wong confirmed the instructions had been to ride IMPLIED VOLATILITY positively in the early stages, however, it was intended the horse would race to the outside of FAT DRAGON. He said he did not want IMPLIED VOLATILITY ridden behind horses due to the manner in which it raced at its most recent start. Y T Cheng was told although he was successful on IMPLIED VOLATILITY, he should be conscious of the tempo in races and ensure that he does not ride his mounts at such a pace that horses are then not able to finish off the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of EASTERN EMPIRE, M Chadwick said that the fast pace of today’s race in the early and middle stages did not suit the horse and this was the reason for its poor performance. A veterinary inspection of EASTERN EMPIRE after the race did not show any significant findings. WO AI NINN, IMPLIED VOLATILITY and SILVER BLAZE were sent for sampling.