17/11/2013  Shatin  Race 11

KABAYAN was slow to begin. SUPER JOCKEY shifted in at the start and bumped SECRET SHAM which was in turn taken in onto the hindquarters of SHAHJEE which became unbalanced. HARD BALL GET shifted out at the start and bumped SEA DRAGON. From wide barriers, HARD BALL GET and INDIAN JADE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. For the majority of the race, KING OF REASON travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, O Doleuze stated that after being shifted across behind runners in the early stages from a wide barrier, DINING WORLD travelled strongly. He said rounding the Home Turn he placed the horse under pressure and DINING WORLD immediately responded to his riding and commenced to close off the race. He said as DINING WORLD was closing off the race strongly and running, in his opinion, a quick final sectional, he used the whip only sparingly as he was of the opinion that DINING WORLD was giving its best. When questioned, Apprentice C Y Lui stated that he had been instructed to ride SHAHJEE in about 3rd or 4th position if possible. He said out of the barriers he rode his mount along aggressively to ensure that it was able to take up a forward position and approaching the 1100 Metres he attempted to steady SHAHJEE with a view to obtaining a trailing position behind FIONN’S TREASURE. He said however it was apparent that a number of runners including KING OF REASON and MY FAVORITE were going to occupy this position, therefore he felt that he had no option but to allow SHAHJEE to remain racing outside FIONN’S TREASURE. He added passing the 1000 Metres SHAHJEE commenced to prove difficult to settle and travelled keenly. He said he went for a number of holds on SHAHJEE in an attempt to have the horse relax underneath him, however, SHAHJEE would not respond to his attempts to steady the tempo and opened up a sizeable margin over the remainder of the field. He said further SHAHJEE was inclined to get its head on the side and lay out which made it more difficult for him to have the horse relax. He said because of the manner in which SHAHJEE was racing, the horse was obliged to run the race at a quick tempo in the lead which had not been intended. Apprentice C Y Lui was advised that his explanation would be reported and whilst it was apparent to the Stewards that SHAHJEE was proving difficult to settle, nonetheless he must ensure that, wherever possible, he rides his mounts in such a manner so that they are able to finish off their races. A veterinary inspection of SEA DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SMART MAN, MY FAVORITE and SUPER JOCKEY were sent for sampling.