24/03/2013  Shatin  Race 2

Trainer T W Leung was spoken to regarding failing to be present in the Parade Ring prior to the running of this race, a race in which he had CAVALE as a starter. Mr Leung was reminded to ensure that he fulfils his obligations in respect of the interests of his owners. From a wide barrier, BERNARD’S CHOICE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. For a short distance after the start, HYPERSONIC raced tight between OCEAN ROAR and MULTIEXPRESS which shifted out. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, both VIVA DOLPHIN and SOLAR BOY were slow to muster speed. After being crossed by DRAGIMOVA near the 1000 Metres, STAR OF BOND proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. Then after the 900 Metres, STAR OF BOND shifted out away from the heels of DRAGIMOVA when continuing to prove very difficult to settle, resulting in MULTIEXPRESS initially shifting in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of STAR OF BOND, causing WINNING BOY to be momentarily crowded for room. MULTIEXPRESS then shifted out away from the heels of STAR OF BOND, causing HYPERSONIC to be crowded for room between that horse and SOLAR BOY which shifted in marginally. As these incidents were attributable to the racing manners of STAR OF BOND, which was having its first start in a race today, no further action was taken. After this, STAR OF BOND continued to race greenly and was reluctant to maintain its position between WINNING BOY and HYPERSONIC after the 600 Metres. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, GOLDEN LEGEND got its head on the side and hung out. After this, GOLDEN LEGEND continued to get its head on the side and raced awkwardly and again raced with its head on the side in the Straight. Near the 500 Metres, VIVA DOLPHIN was momentarily tightened for room inside STAR OF BOND which shifted in. Near the 400 Metres, DRAGON BACHELOR raced tight between GOOD TIMES ROLL and MULTIEXPRESS which shifted out. Inside the 50 Metres, BERNARD’S CHOICE, which was closing off the race strongly, was shifted to the inside of WINNING BOY to continue improving. SOLAR BOY travelled wide and without cover for the majority of the race. The performance of CAVALE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CAVALE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MULTIEXPRESS, M Chadwick stated that he had ridden the horse in track work subsequent to its last start success and, in his opinion, it had improved in its work. He said based on this he expected MULTIEXPRESS to race well today. He said although the horse was hampered when racing close to heels making the first turn, he did not believe that this provided an excuse for the horse’s performance. He said when placed under pressure MULTIEXPRESS did not respond to his riding as it did last start and he was not able to offer any reason for the disappointing run. A veterinary inspection of MULTIEXPRESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of DRAGIMOVA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HYPERSONIC and VIVA DOLPHIN were sent for sampling.