27/12/2010  Shatin  Race 8

REGENCY WINNER’s presentation in the Parade Ring was delayed when that horse proved difficult to saddle. Trainer A S Cruz was advised that a warning would be placed upon REGENCY WINNER in respect of its raceday manners. SPECTACULAR AWARD began awkwardly. WINDICATOR RETURNS began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped FLYING CHINA. Near the 750 Metres, REGENCY WINNER shifted in of its own accord and made heavy contact with SPECTACULAR AWARD which became badly unbalanced and struck the running rail. SPECTACULAR AWARD then shifted out and made solid contact with REGENCY WINNER which became badly unbalanced, causing its rider, M Chadwick, to almost be dislodged. CHATER POWER, which was racing to the outside of REGENCY WINNER, shifted out to avoid that horse, resulting in CHINA DRAGON being taken wider and FLYING CHINA being hampered. MAGIC TEMPLE, which was racing behind REGENCY WINNER, was severely checked in consequence. M Chadwick reported that his saddle shifted during this incident. For some distance approaching the 600 Metres, LOYAL ARMY raced tight inside RICH UNICORN (D Whyte) which itself was racing in restricted room inside BET ON ME (H W Lai). Then near the 600 Metres, LOYAL ARMY was steadied when unable to maintain its position to the inside of RICH UNICORN. In the circumstances, both D Whyte and H W Lai were advised to ensure that they leave sufficient racing room for runners to their inside in future. Passing the 600 Metres, GO FAY FAY got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of BET ON ME which at this time was commencing to give ground. In the Straight, RICH UNICORN got its head on the side and hung out. A veterinary inspection of REGENCY WINNER after the race did not show any significant findings. RICH UNICORN and HORSE GALORE were sent for sampling.