27/01/2013  Shatin  Race 2

Just prior to the start being effected, FOLLOW THE MONEY became fractious and lunged at the front gates. FOLLOW THE MONEY was then slow to begin and shortly after the start was taken across behind runners. When being steadied to obtain a position closer to the rail, GENERAL DANROAD got its head up for a short distance after the start. From a wide barrier, QUIET CONFIDENCE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. MEGA proved difficult to settle in the early stages and got its head up on a number of occasions passing the 1000 Metres. At the 800 Metres, JUST MISTERE lost ground when reluctant to maintain its position inside HEY CHEERS. Near the 200 Metres, JUST MISTERE was crowded for room when attempting to obtain clear running between GOOD SMILE and ALL TIMES LUCKY, both of which were giving ground. After this, JUST MISTERE was badly held up for clear running until near the 100 Metres. Throughout the race, GOOD SMILE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding of GRACYTOM over the final 600 Metres, particularly rounding the Home Turn, C K Tong stated that near the 600 Metres he was racing in a position behind and inside the heels of MEGA. He said he had intended shifting out to obtain clear running to the outside of MEGA rounding the Home Turn, however, GENERAL DANROAD improved its position and he was not able to shift out as he intended at this time. He said when he was doing this, HEY CHEERS shifted out to the inside of MEGA and for this reason he steadied GRACYTOM when unable to improve between MEGA and HEY CHEERS with a view to following LITTLE MEN through. He added after being held up in the early part of the Straight, he shifted his mount to the inside of HEY CHEERS and commenced to ride the horse out. He said after being struck with the whip after the 200 Metres, GRACYTOM commenced to shift in under pressure and as he believed that GRACYTOM was giving of its best at this time, he elected to stop using the whip and continued to ride it out vigorously hands and heels in the run to the finishing run. C K Tong was advised that his riding, particularly rounding the Home Turn, had come under notice and that his riding had come close to breaching a significant Rule of Racing. He was also advised to ensure that his mounts are afforded clear running at the earliest available opportunity so that they are able to improve their positions in races. He was further advised to ensure that he rides his mounts out in such a manner that is not open to query. After the race, Z Purton stated that after being fractious in the barriers, ALL TIMES LUCKY was crowded for room shortly after the start between GOOD SMILE and MEGA which began awkwardly and shifted out. He said after this he was able to obtain a good position in the run, however, ALL TIMES LUCKY did not respond to his riding in the Straight and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of ALL TIMES LUCKY after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of QUIET CONFIDENCE after the race did not show any significant findings. LITTLE MEN, BULLISH FRIEND and GREAT CHARM were sent for sampling.