23/02/2014  Shatin  Race 1

Shortly after the start, DIAMOND START was crowded for room between CONFUCIUS ELITE and WHAT A HEART which was taken out by COLUMBUS LINE. From a wide barrier, MAN AND MING was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 200 Metres, DAILY DOUBLE was steadied when crowded for room between GOLDWEAVER and BEAR SUPREME, both of which shifted slight ground. For some distance after this, DAILY DOUBLE raced tight between GOLDWEAVER and BEAR SUPREME. Close to the finishing line, BEAR SUPREME was awkwardly placed outside the heels of DIAMOND START. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GOLDWEAVER, J Moreira stated that as he had been instructed to ride GOLDWEAVER in a forward position, he rode his mount positively in the early stages. He said despite being vigorously ridden along, GOLDWEAVER did not show early speed and consequently he was not able to position the horse near the lead as instructed. He said making the turns GOLDWEAVER got its head on the side and hung out as it had a tendency to do in its track work leading up to today’s race. He said because of GOLDWEAVER’s tendency to hang out, it was therefore not able to maintain its position in the middle stages. He added he placed the horse under pressure in the Straight, however, GOLDWEAVER did not respond to his riding and although he was awkwardly placed inside the heels of MEGA over the concluding stages, GOLDWEAVER was well beaten at this time. He said it was significant that GOLDWEAVER made an abnormal breathing noise throughout the race and he reported this to the connections after the race. Mr Y S Tsui, the trainer of GOLDWEAVER, stated that he is now of the view that GOLDWEAVER, when carrying top weight, is not able to obtain a forward position easily over the 1200 Metres. He said therefore it is his intention at this stage to look at stepping GOLDWEAVER up in trip so that it may be able to race on the speed without having to have too much use made of it to do so. He said he will also add a tongue tie to the gear of GOLDWEAVER in its track work to ascertain whether this will correct the horse making an abnormal respiratory noise. A veterinary inspection of GOLDWEAVER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GOLDWEAVER, CONFUCIUS ELITE and P J HALL were sent for sampling.