13/04/2014  Shatin  Race 5

TOP POWER began very awkwardly, shifted out and made heavy contact with the hindquarters of SUISSE D’OR, resulting in TOP POWER losing ground. GOLD PRECIOUS shifted in on jumping, resulting in THE ONLY KID being taken in onto GOLDWEAVER which was in turn taken in onto SUISSE D’OR. Shortly after the start, CHAMPION RANGER shifted out, resulting in INFINITE COURAGE and CRUISE CONTROL being bumped. Passing the 1400 Metres, CHAMPION RANGER was crowded for room between GOLDWEAVER which shifted out marginally and INFINITE COURAGE (D Whyte) which shifted in. In this incident, CHAMPION RANGER blundered. D Whyte was advised that whilst the Stewards accepted that there had been a contribution to this incident by GOLDWEAVER shifting out, nonetheless in similar circumstances he would be expected to ensure he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside. Making the turn at the 1200 Metres, MARVEL PLUS was left racing wide and without cover and passing the 1000 Metres was allowed to stride into a more forward position. For some distance approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, GOLDWEAVER travelled keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of INFINITE COURAGE. Making the turn approaching the 700 Metres, GOLDWEAVER and CHAMPION RANGER raced tight. A short distance after this, INFINITE COURAGE was momentarily steadied away from the heels of GOLDWEAVER which was taken in by MARVEL PLUS. Also making the turn near the 700 Metres, GOLD PRECIOUS became unbalanced after shifting in and making contact with the running rail. Approaching the 500 Metres, MONEY WIN WINS was crowded between INFINITE COURAGE and CHAMPION RANGER when improving into tight running between those horses. TOP POWER had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 100 Metres, MONEY WIN WINS got its head on the side and shifted in under pressure, resulting in its rider having to stop riding and straighten his mount. For the majority of the race, CHAMPION RANGER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding of CHAMPION RANGER after the 1100 Metres, C Y Ho stated that he had been racing in a three wide position outside and behind INFINITE COURAGE. He said he was maintaining this position and was unaware that CHAMPION RANGER had shifted out slightly away from INFINITE COURAGE. He said when this occurred, GOLDWEAVER, which was over-racing, improved its position into tight running between INFINITE COURAGE and CHAMPION RANGER. He added the combination of CHAMPION RANGER shifting ground slightly and the racing manners of GOLDWEAVER resulted in CHAMPION RANGER being taken into a four wide position outside of GOLDWEAVER which then assumed the position to the outside of INFINITE COURAGE. C Y Ho was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ensure that he rides his mounts in a competitive manner at all times so as to ensure that his riding is not open to query. A veterinary inspection of CHAMPION RANGER, SUISSE D’OR and GOLDWEAVER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of INFINITE COURAGE immediately following the race revealed the horse to be lame in its right front leg and mildly lame in its left hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, INFINITE COURAGE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. INFINITE COURAGE, PRINCE OF SUNSHINE and CRUISE CONTROL were sent for sampling.