21/12/2013  Shatin  Race 4

FIGHTING BOY, GRAND HARBOUR, FUJIAN SPIRIT and SECRET IDENTITY were slow to begin. From wide barriers, NUMERO UNO and JOYFUL LUCK were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. In the early stages, NUMERO UNO raced greenly and shifted ground on a number of occasions. TEAM WORK and GOLDEN GUNNERS bumped on a number of occasions in the early stages, causing both horses to become unbalanced. Near the 800 Metres, FUJIAN SPIRIT was steadied when crowded for room between HEARTLAND and SECRET IDENTITY which making the turn after the 900 Metres got its head on the side and shifted out. HEARTLAND was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GLACIER BLUE in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 400 Metres, SECRET IDENTITY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CELESTIAL SMILE. After this, SECRET IDENTITY got its head on the side and lay out under pressure. HAPPILY TIME was held up for clear running from on straightening until near the 250 Metres. FIGHTING BOY was held up for clear running from near the 300 Metres until passing the 200 Metres. GRAND HARBOUR lost its left front plate after the winning post. U Rispoli (NUMERO UNO), the rider of the 7th placed, was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out right to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned, C Y Ho stated that he had been instructed to try and have TEAM WORK in about 5th or 6th position behind the speed if possible with cover from barrier 13. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode TEAM WORK positively in the early stages to cross runners to his inside. He said after the 1100 Metres he was left racing very wide outside MIGHTY GAINS and as it was not possible for him to obtain a position with cover as instructed, he elected to allow his mount to continue on towards the lead rather than continue to race in a four wide position. He said however that he was obliged to race three wide without cover for the remainder of the race. Mr J K S Ho, assistant trainer to Mr Y S Tsui, the trainer of TEAM WORK, who was not present in Hong Kong today, confirmed that it had been intended for TEAM WORK to be ridden from behind the pace if possible. When questioned, J Moreira stated that making the turn after the 800 Metres GRAND HARBOUR came off the bridle and was reluctant to maintain its position between runners. He said he rode the horse along, however, GRAND HARBOUR was not able to maintain its position behind FUJIAN SPIRIT. He said having in mind the manner in which GRAND HARBOUR was racing rounding the Home Turn, he immediately shifted the horse to the outside of runners after which it finished off the race fairly. After the race, T Angland reported that FUJIAN SPIRIT coughed when pulling up. A veterinary inspection of FUJIAN SPIRIT including an endoscopic examination immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CELESTIAL SMILE, MULTIEXPRESS and GLACIER BLUE were sent for sampling.