24/10/2010  Shatin  Race 4

As the start was effected, LIBERATOR, which had been fractious in the barriers, reared and lost a considerable amount of ground. When LIBERATOR reared, its rider, W C Marwing, struck his head with some force on the overhead bar. LIBERATOR then took no active part in the race. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if LIBERATOR had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was not able to be taken from W C Marwing due to him being indisposed as a result of striking his head on the overhead bar. After taking evidence from Trainer D E Ferraris and viewing the available videos, the Stewards found that LIBERATOR had reared of its own accord. Accordingly, the Stewards deemed LIBERATOR had been afforded a fair start and was therefore declared a runner. Before being allowed to race again, LIBERATOR will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. After this race, W C Marwing was stood down by the Club`s doctor from his remaining riding engagements. ENERGETIC BOY shifted out at the start, hampering CHEERFUL DOUBLE and INDUSTRIAL HERO. At the entrance to the Straight, GOLD RUSH and GALAXY TREASURE bumped as GOLD RUSH attempted to shift to the outside of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE into clear running. Near the 250 Metres, ZEZAO, which was giving ground, was momentarily crowded for room inside GOLD RUSH which at this time was taken in by BEAUTIFUL CHOICE which shifted in slightly when commencing to give ground. Throughout the race, TOM`S EIGHTH travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding passing the 600 Metres, M Chadwick stated that after being three wide and without cover in the lead up to this point, TOM`S EIGHTH came off the bit and he was obliged to ride that horse along to maintain its position. He said passing the 600 Metres he was aware that GALAXY TREASURE, the main danger in the race, was racing to his inside. He said having in mind the way in which TOM`S EIGHTH was travelling, he was reluctant to make more use of the horse at this time in an endeavour to hold GALAXY TREASURE in behind BEAUTIFUL CHOICE. He said approaching the Home Turn GALAXY TREASURE was able to shift to the outside of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE into clear running and he felt that had he had attempted to hold that horse in, it would have resulted in TOM`S EIGHTH becoming unbalanced which, given the run the horse had in the lead up to this, would not be in its best interests. M Chadwick was advised that his explanation would be noted, however, he was reprimanded for not making sufficient effort to prevent GALAXY TREASURE from shifting out on his inside and he was advised of the need to ride competitively at all times in the future. When questioned regarding the improved performance of GOLD RUSH, Trainer J Size stated that, in his opinion, the horse had benefited by being able to be ridden in a more forward position today with the step up in distance to 1600 Metres and having drawn the inside barrier. He said that in its two races over shorter distances, the horse had raced further back in the field and had not appreciated having to make up ground through the field. Trainer Size was advised that now that GOLD RUSH had established form, it would be expected that the horse would race consistently wherever possible. After the race, an endoscopic examination of GALAXY TREASURE was performed at the request of Trainer K L Man. This examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse`s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, GALAXY TREASURE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GALAXY TREASURE, GOLD RUSH and SUPER BOBO were sent for sampling.