29/05/2011  Shatin  Race 11

SICHUAN SUCCESS began awkwardly. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, THE UNTOUCHABLELAD failed to muster speed and consequently got well back in the early stages. From the outside barrier, TAVERNER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 1000 Metres, TREASURE GOLD proved difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ELEGANCE KLAMMER. Near the 700 Metres, TAVERNER became unbalanced when steadied away from the heels of ST FEVRE which shifted out slightly. At the entrance to the Straight, TREASURE GOLD shifted out and bumped ENHANCED. In the Straight, BEAUTY GLOW got its head on the side and lay out under pressure. Throughout the race, ABSOLUTE FANTASY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Z Purton (TAVERNER) stated that in pre-race discussions with Mr P O’Sullivan, the trainer of the horse, and the owner of TAVERNER, it was uncertain whether today’s race would be run at a good tempo. He said at its last win at Sha Tin on 20 February 2011, the horse was able to take up a position in front of midfield from the same barrier, however, that race was run at a good tempo which allowed TAVERNER the opportunity to shift in and obtain a position with cover. He said as the connections were unsure whether the race would be run at a good tempo, it was decided to ride TAVERNER quietly from the barrier rather than have the horse cover ground if it was not able to obtain cover. Mr O’Sullivan confirmed the instructions and advised the Stewards that he was not confident that the tempo of today’s race would allow TAVERNER to take up a forward position without having to cover ground. When questioned regarding his riding of ELEGANCE KLAMMER in the early part of the Straight, W C Marwing stated that at the 600 Metres ELEGANCE KLAMMER was shifted out into a position behind INDIGO WAY by ST FEVRE which shifted out away from the fence. He said at the entrance to the Straight he was following INDIGO WAY and shortly after entering the Straight he shifted in to follow ELEGANCE DESIRE forward into the race. He said passing the 300 Metres ELEGANCE KLAMMER was steadied when crowded for room between ST FEVRE and INDIGO WAY, both of which shifted ground. He added after this ELEGANCE KLAMMER closed off the race strongly. W C Marwing was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have shifted in away from the heels of INDIGO WAY earlier than he did on this occasion in order to follow ELEGANCE DESIRE through. He was also advised in future to ensure that he avails himself of advantageous runs as soon as the opportunity presents itself. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ENHANCED had lost its left front plate and that INDIGO WAY had lost its right hind plate. Also after the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on ENHANCED at the request of Trainer C S Shum. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, ENHANCED will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SICHUAN SUCCESS and ELEGANCE DESIRE were sent for sampling.