05/06/2011  Shatin  Race 10

Shortly after the start, CAPITAL K clipped the heels of MASTER ELITE which shifted in after beginning awkwardly. As a result, CAPITAL K blundered badly. Passing the 1000 Metres, REAL SPECIALIST and SWEET ORANGE bumped. REAL SPECIALIST and SWEET ORANGE then made contact on a number of occasions making the turn near the 800 Metres. Passing the 400 Metres, GROOVY momentarily raced in restricted room between FUN HEROES and MY WHISKY which shifted in. Approaching the 200 Metres, SWEET ORANGE got its head on the side and shifted in, resulting in its rider, Z Purton, having to stop riding and change the whip into his right hand. Throughout the race, IRON HAWK travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Apprentice M L Yeung (WINE WIN) stated that had had been instructed not to ride the horse along in the early stages rather he was to let the horse’s natural speed take it into a forward position, hopefully behind the leaders. He said Mr A Lee, the trainer of WINE WIN, did not want the horse to be ridden aggressively in the early stages so that it would be able to finish off the race which was over 1400 Metres today, a distance which is longer than that at which WINE WIN usually competes. He said WINE WIN began only fairly and he expected the horse to improve its position under its own accord, however, the horse was lethargic in the early stages and did not show the anticipated early pace. He added he did not consider riding WINE WIN along after this as he felt that the horse would have been left racing wide and this would have been contrary to his instructions not to be aggressive on the horse in the early stages. He said because of these factors, WINE WIN raced back in the field. Mr Lee stated that the horse had shown good pace in its most recent barrier trial on 27 May 2011 and he expected that over 1400 Metres WINE WIN would have natural speed to allow it to obtain a forward position. He added the manner in which WINE WIN raced today indicated to him that the horse had come to the end of its preparation and accordingly he would recommend to the owners of the horse that it not start again this season and that consideration be given to its racing future in Hong Kong. Apprentice Yeung and Mr Lee were advised their explanations would be reported, however, Apprentice Yeung was advised that in future he should ride his mounts in such a fashion that they are able, wherever possible, to be ridden as instructed. The Stewards opened an inquiry into the handling of FUN HEROES. After taking evidence from Jockey M Du Plessis and Trainer P F Yiu, the trainer of FUN HEROES, the inquiry was adjourned until a date to be fixed. A veterinary inspection of FUN HEROES after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SWEET ORANGE had lost its left front plate. REAL SPECIALIST and SWEET ORANGE were sent for sampling.