25/11/2012  Shatin  Race 8

RICH UNICORN began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, BUSINESS AS USUAL was crowded for room between KEEN MARIE and BEAUTY FLASH. For some distance after the 900 Metres, RICH UNICORN got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of FULFIL A WISH. Making the turn approaching the 800 Metres, KEEN MARIE got its head on the side and shifted in away from the heels of AOMEN, resulting in FULFIL A WISH becoming unbalanced when crowded for room inside KEEN MARIE. RICH UNICORN, which was following, got its head up when being checked away from the heels of FULFIL A WISH and in doing so shifted out across the heels of BUSINESS AS USUAL, resulting in RICH UNICORN losing ground. Then near the 700 Metres, RICH UNICORN got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of BUSINESS AS USUAL. After the 800 Metres, CHATER WAY was left racing wide and without cover. After the 200 Metres, LET ME HANDLE IT got its head on the side and shifted in. When questioned regarding the performance of BEAUTY FLASH, M Chadwick stated that he had been asked to ride the horse in a forward position behind the leaders if possible. He said despite being ridden along in the early stages, BEAUTY FLASH did not show any early speed and then did not travel at any stage. He said, in his opinion, BEAUTY FLASH was most disappointing today. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY FLASH after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding his riding out of FULFIL A WISH over the concluding stages, T H So stated that he rode the horse out vigorously in the Straight and over the concluding stages ceased using the whip and pushed it out hands and heels in order to have it extend in the final strides. He said that he has employed this technique successfully on a number of occasions in the past as he is of the opinion that it benefits horses in getting their head down in a close finish. He said that after viewing the video, he believed that whilst he continued to ride the horse out to the end of the race, his technique in employing this method required some refining. The Stewards advised T H So that they were satisfied that his riding over the concluding stages did not breach Rule 100(2), nonetheless he was advised to ensure that he rides his mounts out in such a fashion which cannot be questioned. A veterinary inspection of ELEGANCE KLAMMER including an endoscopic examination after the race showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, ELEGANCE KLAMMER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BEAUTY FLASH, FULFIL A WISH and PENGLAI XIANZI were sent for sampling.