22/12/2012  Shatin  Race 4

SECRETARY OF STATE began awkwardly. GLORY OF INDIA was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, SURROUNDED was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, VICTORY MASCOT was momentarily tightened for room inside SECRETARY OF STATE which got its head on the side and shifted in. When questioned regarding his riding of GLORY OF INDIA in the Straight, O Doleuze stated that he had been instructed to shift GLORY OF INDIA to the outside of runners after the 600 Metres if possible. He said due to the positioning of other runners rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, he was not able to shift to the outside of runners. He said he placed GLORY OF INDIA under pressure in the early part of the Straight and was still looking for the opportunity to shift it out approaching the 200 Metres when he became awkwardly placed close to the heels of TRES MAGNIFIQUE which at this time was giving ground abruptly. He added that as he had been asked to shift GLORY OF INDIA to the outside of runners if at all possible, he did not consider positioning the horse to the inside of TRES MAGNIFIQUE where there was room to improve. O Doleuze was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have shifted GLORY OF INDIA to the inside of TRES MAGNIFIQUE to continue improving. He was further advised that his explanation would be reported however, he should, wherever circumstances permit, ride his mounts in such a manner so that they are afforded uninterrupted running. A veterinary inspection of GLORY OF INDIA after the race did not show any significant findings. ALL BOUNTIFUL, TOWERING STORM and BULLISH POWER were sent for sampling.