24/03/2010  Shatin  Race 4

ALMIGHTY was slow to begin. At the start, CENTRAL ROLE shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of SICHUAN HERO which became badly unbalanced and blundered. After making contact with SICHUAN HERO, CENTRAL ROLE then shifted in and made heavy contact with LUCKY TYCOON which was hampered. Approaching the 1400 Metres, SICHUAN HERO was bumped by CENTRAL ROLE which got its head on the side and shifted out. A short distance later, SICHUAN HERO and GO STITCH bumped, resulting in both horses becoming badly unbalanced. In the early stages, NEW IDEA travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. On straightening, UNIQUE SPEED was steadied when disappointed for running between CENTRAL ROLE and NEW IDEA which was weakening. GO STITCH, which was following, was obliged to steady away from the heels of UNIQUE SPEED and shift out to obtain clear running. Then near the 200 Metres, UNIQUE SPEED was again steadied when disappointed for running between NEW IDEA and DASH, both of which were giving ground. The performance of SICHUAN HERO, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SICHUAN HERO 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, H W Lai stated that he had been instructed to ride UNIQUE SPEED in 3rd or 4th position if possible. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion he steadied UNIQUE SPEED with a view to obtaining a position behind CARE FREE MIDAS as he was of the belief that CARE FREE MIDAS would lead the race. He said however that as he did this, CHATER D’CAT improved its position to be racing inside UNIQUE SPEED, therefore he was unable to shift behind CARE FREE MIDAS. He said a short distance later he observed SPEEDY being ridden to take up a forward position, therefore he allowed that horse to cross UNIQUE SPEED and race outside the leader CARE FREE MIDAS. He said after being crossed by SPEEDY near the 1400 Metres, UNIQUE SPEED got its head on the side and hung out and despite him riding the horse along, UNIQUE SPEED was reluctant to maintain its position. He further stated that after crossing in front of UNIQUE SPEED passing the 1400 Metres, SPEEDY was then steadied to allow DASH to its outside to cross and these factors resulted in UNIQUE SPEED racing further back than had been anticipated. H W Lai was advised his explanation would be reported, however, he was further advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have made more of an endeavour to maintain a forward position in the early stages in order to comply with his instructions. A veterinary inspection of SICHUAN HERO after the race did not show any significant findings. WIN-A-LOT and PRECISION MAGIC were sent for sampling.