06/06/2010  Shatin  Race 11

CERISE CHERRY was difficult to load. As CERISE CHERRY had, at its most recent start, had an embargo placed on it for similar manners, the Stewards ruled that prior to racing again the horse will have to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. MY HOME TOWN proved very difficult to load. Before being allowed to race again, MY HOME TOWN will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. HURRICANE DASH, which was fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin. MIGHTY SUN was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was checked after striking the heels of MOONWALK which shifted in abruptly despite the efforts of its rider. Near the 850 Metres, EASY WINNER was steadied away from the heels of SPECIAL DRAGON. TAVERNER, which was following EASY WINNER and proving difficult to settle, was steadied away from the heels of that horse in consequence. For some distance leading up to the 850 Metres, JUN QI, which was proving difficult to settle, was restrained away from the heels of CALIFORNIA MOON (M Chadwick) which shifted in when barely clear. M Chadwick was reprimanded and advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Passing the 800 Metres, MOONWALK was checked out away from the heels of MY HOME TOWN. When MOONWALK shifted out, both HURRICANE DASH and FIRM OFFER improved to be racing between MOONWALK and TAVERNER where there was insufficient room for two horses, resulting in both HURRICANE DASH and FIRM OFFER being steadied. FLYING IN got its head on the side and lay out rounding the Home Turn. Near the 150 Metres, FLYING IN was momentarily awkwardly placed behind JUN QI and MOONWALK. LET ME FIGHT travelled three wide and without cover throughout. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HURRICANE DASH, H W Lai stated that his mount raced keenly for some distance rounding the turn at the 800 Metres due to the tempo of the race. He said when the field sprinted rounding the Home Turn, HURRICANE DASH lacked a turn of foot and was not able to close off due to the manner in which the race was run. When questioned regarding the performance of JUN QI, B Prebble stated that due to the tempo of the race, JUN QI, which had the blinkers added today, over-raced and would not settle. He said following the race he recommended to the connections that they give consideration to removing the blinkers from the gear of JUN QI. A veterinary inspection of HURRICANE DASH, JUN QI and SPECIAL DRAGON after the race did not show any significant findings. JUN QI, CERISE CHERRY and LET ME FIGHT were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FLYING IN had sustained a laceration to its left hind cannon. Before being allowed to race again, FLYING IN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.