01/01/2013  Shatin  Race 9

On the way to the Start, BRIGHT STAR lost its right front plate, resulting in the horse having to be re-shod behind the barriers. BRIGHT STAR was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. When parading behind the barriers, QUANTUM POWER was kicked on the right hind leg by another runner. QUANTUM POWER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Just prior to the start being effected, both RED COURAGE and SUNNY FAY became restless. Then as the start was effected, SUNNY FAY bounded in the air and lost ground. Before being allowed to race again, SUNNY FAY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. Also just prior to the start being effected, FIONN’S TREASURE put its head down and began only fairly. BOMBER JET shifted out at the start and bumped COSTA DEL SOL. KEEN TACTICS, which was leaning on the inside of its barrier, began very awkwardly and shortly after the start was taken across behind runners. After the 1000 Metres, QUANTUM POWER got its head up on a number of occasions when proving difficult to settle. Near the 850 Metres, LONGWAH INVINCIBLE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BOMBER JET. Approaching the 800 Metres, SUNNY FAY was momentarily crowded for room inside HAPPY YEAH YEAH which shifted in. After the 400 Metres, RED COURAGE and FIONN’S TREASURE raced tight as RED COURAGE shifted out to obtain clear running. Near the 200 Metres, SUNNY FAY, which was racing in restricted room between HAPPY YEAH YEAH and FIONN’S TREASURE, was steadied when crowded for room due to HAPPY YEAH YEAH (M L Yeung) shifting in and FIONN’S TREASURE shifting out slightly. M L Yeung was advised that whilst the shift from HAPPY YEAH YEAH was not a significant one, nonetheless he must make every endeavour to keep his mounts on a straight course in similar circumstances. Near the 150 Metres, RED COURAGE (D Whyte) shifted out under pressure and raced tight inside FIONN’S TREASURE. Because of this, D Whyte was restricted in the manner in which he was able to ride out RED COURAGE in the run to the line with the whip. Over the concluding stages, KEEN TACTICS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FAY DEEP and because of this was not able to be properly tested. Throughout the race, COSTA DEL SOL travelled wide and without cover. Trainer C Fownes advised the Stewards that he had instructed T Angland to ride BRIGHT STAR quietly from barrier 9 as he had been disappointed with the manner in which the horse finished off its recent races when ridden in a forward position. Mr C H Yip, the trainer of COSTA DEL SOL, was interviewed regarding that horse’s manners in the Parade Ring. COSTA DEL SOL reared on a number of occasions when proving very fractious. Mr Yip was advised that a warning would be placed on COSTA DEL SOL in relation to its Parade Ring manners and that the Stewards will monitor the horse’s behaviour in future. A veterinary inspection of SUNNY FAY and FINN MACCOOL after the race did not show any significant findings. FIONN’S TREASURE and RED COURAGE were sent for sampling.