29/01/2012  Shatin  Race 1

The Stewards today interviewed Mr S Woods, the trainer of BROTHERS IN ARMS, second Standby Declared Starter, as to the circumstances regarding that horse being mistakenly treated last Thursday afternoon. BROTHERS IN ARMS was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Mr Woods was found by the Stewards in be in breach of Rule 50(2) in that he was negligent in the running of his stable. Mr Woods was fined $20,000. On arrival at the Start, FULL HOUSE, which was kicked by another horse on the way to the Start, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said although the horse had sustained a minor wound to the left stifle, it was suitable to race. SUPER TEAM and FULL STAR bumped at the start. FULL HOUSE was slow to begin and then was crowded for room between CHANTILLY and METREVELLI which shifted in. After this, FULL HOUSE was slow to muster speed. From the outside barrier, LOTS OF FUN was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1400 Metres, WATCH FIRST shifted out away from the heels of PRINCE OF SUNSHINE (Apprentice C Y Ho) which shifted in when not properly clear. Apprentice Ho was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear in similar circumstances. For some distance after the 1300 Metres, FULL STAR proved difficult to settle. In the early part of the Straight, METREVELLI was held up for clear running. After the 400 Metres, SUPER TEAM and MISTER HORSE bumped as SUPER TEAM shifted out into clear running. Approaching the 100 Metres, LOTS OF FUN was steadied away from the heels of METREVELLI which shifted out to obtain clear running. When questioned, Apprentice K C Ng stated that he had been instructed to lead on TREASURE GLITTER if possible, however, if the horse did not show sufficient speed, he should obtain as forward a position as possible. He said in accordance with his instructions, he rode TREASURE GLITTER aggressively in the early stages with a view to leading today’s race. He said despite his riding TREASURE GLITTER along, the horse did not show sufficient early speed to cross runners to his inside. He said for this reason near the 1400 Metres he discontinued riding TREASURE GLITTER along and attempted to obtain a position with cover. He said however that he was not able to shift in behind PRINCE OF SUNSHINE and for this reason TREASURE GLITTER was left racing three wide and without cover. He added although the tempo of the race steadied after the 1400 Metres, he did not believe that TREASURE GLITTER would have sufficient speed to go forward having in mind its lack of early pace out of the barriers. Apprentice Ng was advised that whilst he had ridden TREASURE GLITTER out of the barriers in accordance with his instructions and whilst it was accepted that the horse did not show any early speed, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have made a further attempt to improve his position after the tempo of the race slackened passing the 1400 Metres. He was advised that wherever possible he should avoid covering unnecessary ground. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WATCH FIRST, B Prebble stated that after being afforded a good run on the fence, WATCH FIRST was left flat-footed when the field quickened rounding the Home Turn and then finished off the race only one-paced in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of ALP’S GLORY, WATCH FIRST and LOTS OF FUN after the race did not show any significant findings. WATCH FIRST, SUPER TEAM and GRANDWAY FLYER were sent for sampling.