10/10/2010  Shatin  Race 6

MIGHTY SUN was slow to begin and consequently raced back in the field. From wide barriers, ANTIPASTO, FLYING CHINA and MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. In the early stages, MY HOME TOWN was caught wide and without cover and passing the 1200 Metres was allowed to improve its position to race outside the leader. After the 1200 Metres, MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 700 Metres, WIN PRACTITIONER, which had been ridden along by its rider, C K Tong, was steadied and became unbalanced when crowded for room inside UNION’S STAR (D Whyte) which shifted in when not properly clear. D Whyte was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. C K Tong was reprimanded over the standard of evidence he provided at this inquiry. UNION’S STAR was not able to obtain clear running at any stage in the Straight. Because of this, UNION’S STAR was not tested. Approaching the 100 Metres, WIN PRACTITIONER, which was closing off the race strongly, momentarily raced tight between HAPPY TUMBLER and CENTURY SUPER STAR, both of which shifted slight ground. When questioned, J Lloyd (ANTIPASTO) stated that passing the 800 Metres he was racing behind MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP. He said during the race when travelling behind runners, ANTIPASTO was reluctant to maintain its position as, in his opinion, it was resenting the kickback. He said when MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP improved its position passing the 700 Metres, MIGHTY SUN was able to shift out from behind OLE OLE and follow MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP forward. He said at this time he observed MIGHTY SUN shifting out and as he felt that ANTIPASTO would be taken unnecessarily wide, he attempted to remain racing behind MIGHTY SUN and to obtain a run to the inside of that horse prior to the Home Turn. A veterinary inspection of NEEDLES AND THREAD after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of BRAVE SPIRIT after the race did not show any significant findings. WIN PRACTITIONER, OLE OLE and MIGHTY SUN were sent for sampling.