05/02/2011  Shatin  Race 5

As the start was effected, SPEEDY lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, NOT QUITE PERFECT was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the first turn near the 800 Metres, PAPER WINS was checked when crowded for room between CONQUEROR which was racing tight to the inside of THE KID and GOOD JOB which got its head up and shifted out. After this, GOOD JOB proved difficult to settle. Also making the first turn near the 800 Metres, SHARP BOY got its head on the side and shifted out. After this, SHARP BOY travelled wide and without cover. THE KID had difficulty obtaining clear running until after the 300 Metres. Throughout the race, CITY DRAGON travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, H W Lai (CONQUEROR) stated that he had been instructed to ride the horse behind midfield if possible. He said for this reason he steadied CONQUEROR in the early stages even though the horse began well. He added that passing the 1000 Metres he was racing in a three wide position behind SHARP BOY and to the outside of GRAND GENERAL and at this point he elected to steady CONQUEROR further to obtain a position behind GRAND GENERAL closer to the fence. When questioned regarding his riding of CONQUEROR rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, H W Lai stated that rounding the Home Turn he had been following GRAND GENERAL. He said that at this time he wished to shift CONQUEROR to the outside to obtain clear running. He said for this reason he remained racing behind GRAND GENERAL in the early part of the Straight rather than shifting to that horse’s inside to establish whether a run was going to eventuate to the outside of that horse. He said when THE KID maintained its position to his outside in the early part of the Straight, he shifted CONQUEROR to the inside of the heels of GRAND GENERAL and commenced to ride the horse along. He said at this time GRAND GENERAL shifted in slightly which resulted in CONQUEROR being awkwardly placed behind that horse. He added that when GRAND GENERAL did not continue to shift in, he then shifted the horse to the inside of GRAND GENERAL and rode his mount out vigorously for the remainder of the race. He said however that CONQUEROR finished off the race only fairly and after the race was making an abnormal respiratory noise. A veterinary inspection of CONQUEROR after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The Veterinary Officer also reported that the horse had lost its right hind plate. Before being allowed to race again, CONQUEROR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. H W Lai was advised that his riding of CONQUEROR rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight had come under notice and that in slightly different circumstances he may have found himself in breach of a serious Rule of Racing. H W Lai was further advised to ensure that he avails himself of clear running whenever the opportunity arises and that he must ride his mounts in such a fashion so as to leave no room for query. LUCKY NISTELROOY and THE KID were sent for sampling.