26/09/2010  Shatin  Race 2

FOREVER DESTINY was steadied when crowded for room at the start between GOLD RUSH and THAT’S IT, both of which shifted ground. A short distance later, GOLD RUSH was also steadied when tightened for room between THAT’S IT and POLYGOLD, both of which shifted ground. From a wide barrier, RACING LEGEND was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Rounding the Home Turn, PONDEROSA was momentarily unbalanced inside JUST FANTASTIC. At the entrance to the Straight, THAT’S IT (H W Lai) struck the heels of IMAGINATION which at this time commenced to give ground. As a consequence, THAT’S IT blundered badly, resulting in H W Lai being dislodged. As there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. After the race, H W Lai was examined by the Club’s medical officers and cleared to fulfil his remaining riding engagements. Throughout the race, IMAGINATION travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of IMAGINATION, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, IMAGINATION 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, G Cheyne stated that he had been instructed to obtain a forward position on JUST FANTASTIC either in the lead or outside of the leader. He said passing the 900 Metres he was obliged to ride JUST FANTASTIC along to clear QUELLE SURPRISE to his inside. He said at this time he received a number of calls from B Prebble, the rider of PONDEROSA, he believed alerting him that PONDEROSA was still positioned to the inside of JUST FANTASTIC’s heels. He said he was reluctant to again ride JUST FANTASTIC along passing the 800 Metres to clear PONDEROSA as he had made some use of the horse prior to this to clear QUELLE SURPRISE. He added further that as he received a number of calls from the rider to his inside, he felt that he would have had to make too much use of JUST FANTASTIC to gain the necessary clearance in order to shift to the fence. CAPTAIN SWEET and PONDEROSA were sent for sampling.