17/03/2013  Shatin  Race 1

GOLD FORTUNE was withdrawn on 15.3.13 by order of the Stewards (stable transfer) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter OCEAN BRIGHT (M L Yeung). On arrival at the barriers, the tongue tie fitted to DOUBLE MOON was replaced. TELECOM TOP STAR and LUCKY CHEVALIER began only fairly. Shortly after the start, RAINBOW SEEKER was crowded for room between IDYLLIC WIND and MONEY WIN WINS which shifted out. RAINBOW SEEKER was then taken across behind runners. Passing the 500 Metres, LUCKY CHEVALIER and DOUBLE MOON raced tight as LUCKY CHEVALIER attempted to shift out from behind DIAMOND AGATE into clear running. Then approaching the 400 Metres, LUCKY CHEVALIER was checked and lost ground when disappointed for running between those two horses. When questioned, W M Lai stated that, from barrier 14, he was asked to ride IDYLLIC WIND in 3rd, 4th or 5th position if possible but to ensure the horse was settled. He said it was felt that at its two most recent starts the horse had not been able to finish off its races after having to run fast sectionals whilst ridden in a forward position. He said as he was asked to ensure the horse was settled, he allowed IDYLLIC WIND to travel into a forward position of its own accord rather than ride it along in the early stages. He said however that he was not able to obtain cover on IDYLLIC WIND from the outside barrier. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HURRY HURRY UP, Apprentice C Y Lui stated that he was able to lead today’s race as instructed without having to make too much use of the horse in the early stages. He said after reaching the lead, HURRY HURRY UP travelled keenly and would not relax as he had hoped. He said HURRY HURRY UP came under pressure passing the 400 Metres and was then disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of HURRY HURRY UP immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TELECOM TOP STAR, A Suborics stated that it had been intended for the horse to be ridden quietly as it was when it was successful three starts ago, nevertheless he had to ride TELECOM TOP STAR along in the early stages to prevent it from becoming detached from the field. He said the horse did not travel as well throughout the race as it had done when he had ridden it previously. He added that he placed TELECOM TOP STAR under pressure rounding the Home Turn, however, the horse was most disappointing in its failure to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of TELECOM TOP STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BESPOKE MASTER immediately following the race revealed that it was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, BESPOKE MASTER will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HURRY HURRY UP, BACKSTREET FIGHTER and DOUBLE MOON were sent for sampling.