30/01/2011  Shatin  Race 5

DIVINE KID began awkwardly and shortly after the start was steadied when crowded for room between OPEN SESAME which shifted in and SHAM SHUI PO which, after beginning awkwardly, was taken out by DAILY DOUBLE. Rounding the Home Turn, FINEZZA got its head on the side and lay out. Shortly after the 400 Metres, SOHNA was shifted to the outside of CHAMPAGNE DAYS when KINGSTON SPARTACUS shifted out to the inside of SOHNA. Approaching the 300 Metres, O Doleuze (OPEN SESAME) dropped his whip. O Doleuze was told the number of occasions on which he has dropped his whip during this season has come under notice and he should take steps to prevent this from occurring wherever possible in future. DIVINE KID had some difficulty obtaining clear running approaching and passing the 200 Metres. When questioned, Apprentice T H So said that he had been instructed to ride SUPER GALILEO in 3rd or 4th position, however, if the pace of the race was not strong in the early stages, he should lead the race. He said he rode his mount positively in the early stages, however, other runners showed superior speed. He said passing the 1500 Metres he considered shifting in behind CHAMPAGNE DAYS to obtain cover behind that horse. He said as he was positioned, in his opinion, too far up outside the heels of that horse and as CHAMPAGNE DAYS itself was being steadied to obtain a position behind KINGSTON SPARTACUS, he was not able to shift across behind CHAMPAGNE DAYS into a position one off the fence. He added for this reason he was left racing in a position three wide outside that horse and passing the 1200 Metres was left racing without cover. Apprentice So was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have made more effort than he did to position SUPER GALILEO behind CHAMPAGNE DAYS and that at all times he must ride his mounts in such a manner so as to ensure that they do not cover unnecessary ground. A veterinary inspection of CLASSIC BOY and SUPER GALILEO after the race did not show any significant findings. CLASSIC BOY, NOVEL WINNING and CHAMPAGNE DAYS were sent for sampling.