18/05/2013  Shatin  Race 10

TRUMP was crowded for room at the start between FIONN’S TREASURE which shifted in and FAT CHOY HONG KONG which was taken out by ROCKET LET WIN. From the outside barrier, STERLING CITY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 1200 Metres, LONGWAH SUPREME was bumped and taken in by TOUR DE FORCE which was taken in by TRUMP which, after being ridden along to establish a position inside BULLISH FRIEND (M L Yeung), was taken in by that horse. A short distance after this, M L Yeung shifted BULLISH FRIEND out to relieve the tightening to his inside. M L Yeung was severely reprimanded and advised that in future he must ensure that he is sufficiently clear prior to shifting ground. Approaching the 1000 Metres, TOUR DE FORCE commenced to over-race, proved very difficult to settle and shifted away from the heels of KA YING KID. For some distance after this, TOUR DE FORCE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of KA YING KID which was being steadied away from the heels of FIONN’S TREASURE. After the 900 Metres, TRUMP was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn near the 850 Metres, LONGWAH SUPREME was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TOUR DE FORCE. Rounding the Home Turn, ROCKET LET WIN got its head on the side and lay out. For some distance in the early part of the Straight, PRETTY ONE was badly held up and taken back through the field when attempting a run inside ROCKET LET WIN which was giving ground and where there was insufficient room. This resulted in PRETTY ONE being checked by its rider passing the 300 Metres when being shifted to the outside of ROCKET LET WIN. RUMBA KING had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and then got its head on the side and lay out under pressure. When questioned, M L Yeung stated that after the 900 Metres he allowed BULLISH FRIEND to improve and he intended to cross FLAGSHIP SHINE to his inside. He said however that FLAGSHIP SHINE maintained its position to the inside of BULLISH FRIEND and he was aware that PRETTY ONE was racing to the inside of FLAGSHIP SHINE. He said as he was of the opinion that the rider of FLAGSHIP SHINE would continue to maintain his position inside BULLISH FRIEND, he elected to remain racing outside that horse rather than ride BULLISH FRIEND along to clear FLAGSHIP SHINE. After the race, Z Purton reported that FAT CHOY HONG KONG made a respiratory noise during the race. A veterinary inspection of ROCKET LET WIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of ROCKET LET WIN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ROCKET LET WIN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that KA YING KID had sustained a laceration over the left hind tendon area and had lost its right front plate. Before being allowed to race again, KA YING KID will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FLAGSHIP SHINE and STERLING CITY were sent for sampling.