03/04/2011  Shatin  Race 5

Over the final 200 Metres, WATCH FIRST hung in and proved very difficult to ride and close to the finishing line was shifted out away from the heels of FINEZZA which also shifted out slightly. When questioned regarding his riding of ABLE DRAGON in the Straight, P Strydom stated that rounding the Home Turn he shifted his mount to the outside of WATCH FIRST to afford it clear running. He said he placed the horse under hands and heels pressure in the early part of the Straight, however, ABLE DRAGON responded only fairly. He said approaching the 200 Metres GOOD GAINS to his inside and YUAN’S FORTUNE to his outside improved their positions quickly around ABLE DRAGON and at this time ABLE DRAGON raced in restricted room between YUAN’S FORTUNE and GOOD GAINS which shifted out. He said soon after this both GOOD GAINS and YUAN’S FORTUNE improved their positions and as he was of the belief that ABLE DRAGON was giving of its best, he did not use the whip on the horse other than to show it to the horse over the concluding stages. P Strydom was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ride his mounts in such a fashion in the future so as to leave no room for query. When questioned, C W Wong (GOOD GAINS) advised that he had been instructed to ride the horse in a forward position if possible. He said GOOD GAINS began awkwardly and got its head up and because of this he became unbalanced in the saddle. He said GOOD GAINS continued to get its head up for a short distance after the start which resulted in it losing ground. He said for this reason he elected to take GOOD GAINS across behind runners and obtain a position closer to the fence. C W Wong was advised to ensure that he gives his horses sufficient rein so as to allow them to begin satisfactorily. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MINGS’ HERO had lost its left hind plate. FINEZZA and WATCH FIRST were sent for sampling.