03/11/2010  Shatin  Race 8

TAVERNER knuckled over at the start. VIGOR DELIGHT shifted out at the start and was checked away from the heels of MOONWALK. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, OSVALDO was steadied when momentarily racing in restricted room between VIGOR DELIGHT and UNION’S STAR. Near the 1100 Metres, OPERATION SECRET was steadied away from the heels of ABLE SPEED. Approaching the 200 Metres, OLE OLE, which was closing off the race strongly, was shifted to the outside of the tiring MOONWALK to obtain clear running. When questioned regarding his riding of OSVALDO in the Straight, Z Purton stated that he rode his mount vigorously rounding the Home Turn to follow UNION’S STAR into the Straight. He said that despite being ridden in this manner, OSVALDO did not quicken as it had done in the past. He said that VIGOR DELIGHT, which was racing to the outside of OSVALDO, lay in and as OPERATION SECRET was shifting out to his inside, he felt that OSVALDO would respond better if it was able to be brought to the outside of VIGOR DELIGHT. He added that passing the 150 Metres he was able to shift OSVALDO to the outside of VIGOR DELIGHT when that horse continued to shift in under pressure, however, over the concluding stages OSVALDO finished off the race only fairly. Z Purton was advised that his explanation would be noted, however, he should ride his mounts with sufficient vigour so as to ensure that they are fully tested wherever possible. When questioned, Apprentice T H So stated that he was instructed to ride NEEDLES AND THREAD along in the early stages including giving the horse a hit with the whip in an endeavour to ensure that it took up a forward position. He said he was further instructed to allow another runner to cross passing the winning post on the first occasion if possible so as to allow NEEDLES AND THREAD to have the box seat run behind the leader. He said accordingly from barrier 1 he rode NEEDLES AND THREAD aggressively in the early stages and struck the horse with the whip as he was instructed. He said that after passing the winning post on the first occasion he attempted to steady NEEDLES AND THREAD to allow PRIME CHAMPION, which was being ridden into a forward position, to cross his mount and assume the lead. He said when he attempted to restrain NEEDLES AND THREAD passing the 1500 Metres, the horse commenced to race fiercely and would not come back underneath him as he wished. He added despite heavily restraining NEEDLES AND THREAD passing the 1400 Metres, the horse continued to prove difficult to settle and when PRIME CHAMPION improved to his outside passing the 1200 Metres, NEEDLES AND THREAD proved even more difficult to settle. He said on entering the Back Straight he continued to attempt to restrain NEEDLES AND THREAD as he was aware that the pace of the race at this time was too fast, however, he was not able to do so. He said passing the 1100 Metres PRIME CHAMPION was steadied to his outside, therefore he attempted to allow NEEDLES AND THREAD to relax rather than continue to fight against the horse. He said NEEDLES AND THREAD continued to race freely and this resulted in the race being run at a quick tempo. He added approaching the 400 Metres rather than continue to steady NEEDLES AND THREAD, he allowed the horse to run along to continue to maintain an advantage on the field, it stayed on satisfactorily in the early part of the Straight, but weakened badly over the final 200 Metres. Apprentice So was advised that the Stewards would interview Trainer T W Leung at the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Saturday, 6 November 2010 prior to giving final consideration to this matter. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MOONWALK, D Whyte stated that the horse was very worked up prior to the start. He said that MOONWALK travelled only fairly in the run and when placed under pressure prior to the Home Turn did not quicken as it had done in the past. He said in the Straight MOONWALK was most disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. He did say, in his opinion, the horse’s performance tonight could be attributed to the manner in which it had become stirred up prior to entering the barriers. A veterinary inspection of MOONWALK after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ABLE SPEED, D Beadman stated that the horse travelled only fairly until the 800 Metres at which point he was obliged to commence riding it along to maintain its position. He said ABLE SPEED came off the bridle rounding the turn near the 750 Metres and he was obliged to use the whip on the horse in an endeavour to have it respond. He said in the Straight ABLE SPEED did not respond to his riding and weakened out of the race. He did say that although ABLE SPEED was having its third run for the season, the manner in which it pulled up after the race indicated to him that it would take some improvement with extra race fitness. A veterinary inspection of ABLE SPEED after the race did not show any significant findings. MIGHTY SUN and UNION’S STAR were sent for sampling.