28/11/2010  Shatin  Race 1

CARISSIMA, which was leaning against the outside of its stall, was slow to begin. DRAGON BOY and ALICE TOO were steadied when crowded for room at the start between ROYAL WARRIOR and MUSTANG which got its head on the side and shifted in and then shifted in further after being bumped on the hindquarters by DRAGON BOY. In the early stages, FANTASTISCH got its head up and proved difficult to settle and throughout the race travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of MUSTANG, D Whyte stated that it had been intended for the horse to be ridden in a midfield position. He said however MUSTANG began very well and when the tempo of the race in the early stages was slow, MUSTANG took up a more forward position without having to be ridden along. He said although MUSTANG got its head up and over-raced for some distance approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, it then travelled well with him and he was not able to attribute the horse’s disappointing performance to it having been ridden in a more forward position than had been intended. He said MUSTANG came off the bridle near the 600 Metres and he was obliged to ride the horse along from this point to have it maintain its position. He said although MUSTANG finished 4th in the race, the horse was disappointing in its failure to quicken and added MUSTANG was tiring badly over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of CARISSIMA and MUSTANG after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that LANCELOT had bled from both nostrils and that INCREDIBLE EAGLE had sustained a cut to the inside of the right hind pastern. MUSTANG, SPEED RACER and DANESOUTH were sent for sampling.