09/01/2011  Shatin  Race 9

As the start was effected, JOHNSON lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. AMBITIOUS DRAGON began awkwardly and shortly after the start shifted in and bumped TAVERNER. FULL SPIRIT began awkwardly. Passing the 1400 Metres, PUBLIC FIGURE was steadied away from the heels of HAPPY GUYS (C K Tong) which shifted in when not properly clear. C K Tong was reprimanded and advised to be sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. After the 1200 Metres, TRAVEL GUIDE was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn near the 850 Metres, BUTTERFIELD raced in restricted room inside GLORY OF INDIA which at this time was taken in by TAKE THE RAP which got its head on the side and shifted in momentarily. JOLLY GOOD had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and then was badly held up for clear running from passing the 300 Metres until near the 150 Metres. Passing the 400 Metres, GLORY OF INDIA was steadied and shifted in when disappointed for running between TRAVEL GUIDE and PUBLIC FIGURE which, when commencing to give ground, was taken out slightly by SADDLERS LODGE. Passing the 350 Metres, TAKE THE RAP was steadied when disappointed for running between AMBITIOUS DRAGON and TRAVEL GUIDE which shifted out slightly. When questioned, G Mossé (TAVERNER) stated that he had been instructed to ride the horse positively in the early stages and obtain a position in the first three, however, if no other horse was intent on leading, he should allow the horse to stride forward and take up the running. He said from barrier 11 he rode TAVERNER along in the early stages to clear runners to his inside. He said he had intended to remain racing to the outside of PUBLIC FIGURE, but when that horse remained racing one horse off the fence, he elected to push TAVERNER to clear that horse. He said whilst TAVERNER wanted to race somewhat keenly, he believed the pace of the race in the middle stages was only moderate and for this reason he allowed TAVERNER to continue on. He said whilst this resulted in TAVERNER opening up somewhat of a margin on the remainder of the field, he believed that the tempo of the race at this time was not strong and for this reason he was reluctant to further restrain TAVERNER. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of PUBLIC FIGURE, G Cheyne stated that in the early stages he allowed HAPPY GUYS and TAVERNER to cross when those horses showed superior speed. He said approaching the 600 Metres he attempted to improve to the outside of HAPPY GUYS to prevent that horse from being able to shift out from behind the leader, however, PUBLIC FIGURE was not travelling well enough to do so and was consequently taken in to a three wide position when HAPPY GUYS shifted out. He said from this point onwards PUBLIC FIGURE did not travel and despite being placed under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight failed to respond to his riding and weakened badly in the Straight. Trainer A Lee stated that PUBLIC FIGURE had pleased him since its most recent run and a forward showing was expected today. He said he was not able to explain the disappointing performance of PUBLIC FIGURE. A veterinary inspection of PUBLIC FIGURE after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of PUBLIC FIGURE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PUBLIC FIGURE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. AMBITIOUS DRAGON and SADDLERS LODGE were sent for sampling.