28/03/2010  Shatin  Race 8

OPEN SESAME was withdrawn on 26.3.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore shin both fore) and was replaced by first Standby Declared Starter ROYAL PUMPKIN (B Prebble). GREAT GUY was withdrawn on 27.3.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore foot) and was replaced by second Standby Declared Starter MINGS’ HERO (W M Lai). Before being allowed to race again, OPEN SESAME and GREAT GUY will both be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Just prior to the start being effected, MAJESTIC HEART became fractious, then began very awkwardly and in the early part of the race threw its head up on a number of occasions, refused to race and consequently became detached from the field. The performance of MAJESTIC HEART was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MAJESTIC HEART will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a series of consecutive official barrier trials. Shortly after the start, FIRST BEAT was bumped by MINGS’ HERO which in turn was bumped by MERIDIAN PRIDE when that horse was taken out by WINNER SMART. In the early part of the Straight, CHAMPION MOUNT had difficulty obtaining clear running. Near the 300 Metres, MINGS’ HERO was checked when attempting a run between SUISSE D’OR and FIRST BEAT when there was insufficient room. After this, MINGS’ HERO was not able to obtain clear running until passing the 200 Metres. Passing the 200 Metres, ROYAL PUMPKIN was momentarily crowded for room between MERIDIAN PRIDE which was awkwardly placed inside the heels of LOCAL POWER and WINNING BONUS which had its head on the side and shifted out slightly. Passing the 100 Metres, SUISSE D’OR was steadied when crowded for room between MERIDIAN PRIDE which shifted out to relieve tightening to its inside and FIRST BEAT which was taken in by ABLE DRAGON (G Cheyne). G Cheyne was advised that whilst there was a contributing factor to this incident, nonetheless he should make every endeavour to keep his mounts on a straight course in similar circumstances. Near the 50 Metres, H W Lai, the rider of WINNING BONUS, was obliged to stop riding his mount when WINNING BONUS was crowded for room between MY MATE ADRIC and LOCAL POWER. Because of this, WINNING BONUS was not ridden out to the end of the race. Throughout the race, MERIDIAN PRIDE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding MING HOI TREASURE racing in the lead today, D Beadman stated that whilst he was not given any firm instructions, it had been hoped that MING HOI TREASURE would race more prominently in about 5th or 6th position if possible. He added at its last number of starts, MING HOI TREASURE had raced disappointedly when ridden quietly. He said in an attempt to have MING HOI TREASURE begin better, the horse underwent barrier practice at the 1800 Metre gallop last Thursday morning. He said MING HOI TREASURE jumped better than it had at its previous starts and in the early stages he allowed his mount to continue forward to obtain a position closer to the rail. He said whilst it was not anticipated that MING HOI TREASURE would lead, he elected to allow it to go forward rather than have it racing wide in the early stages. Trainer J Moore will be interviewed regarding the tactics adopted on MING HOI TREASURE compared to those in its recent starts upon his return to Hong Kong. When questioned, Z Purton (FIRST BEAT) stated that approaching the 600 Metres when following ABLE DRAGON, he noticed that horse shifting out in a three wide position to be following LOCAL POWER. He said as he anticipated that rounding the Home Turn ABLE DRAGON would shift to the outside of LOCAL POWER, he was reluctant to shift out and race behind ABLE DRAGON as he felt that rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight if he came to the outside of that horse, FIRST BEAT would be taken unnecessarily wide. He said as a consequence of ABLE DRAGON shifting out behind LOCAL POWER, a run presented itself between ABLE DRAGON and MINGS’ HERO which passing the 600 Metres he availed himself of. He said rounding the Home Turn he was racing to the inside of the heels of ABLE DRAGON and whilst he considered shifting to the outside of that horse, he believed that he would have had to steady FIRST BEAT to be in a position to come out and across the heels of ABLE DRAGON which would cost FIRST BEAT momentum and ground. He stated for this reason he elected to maintain his running to the inside of ABLE DRAGON in the hope that that horse would shift out which would allow him the opportunity to improve between that horse and LOCAL POWER. He said at the entrance to the Straight ABLE DRAGON did shift out which momentarily presented a tight run between ABLE DRAGON and LOCAL POWER passing the 400 Metres. He said as he attempted to improve into this run, LOCAL POWER shifted out which closed the run. He added, as a consequence, FIRST BEAT was held up for clear running behind LOCAL POWER until passing the 200 Metres at which time the run between those two horses presented itself and he was able to improve his position. He said over the concluding stages FIRST BEAT was then somewhat inconvenienced by ABLE DRAGON which shifted in slightly. Z Purton was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, in similar circumstances he should make every endeavour to avail himself of clear running. MING HOI TREASURE and CHAMPION MOUNT were sent for sampling.