25/05/2014  Shatin  Race 3

At declaration time, K Teetan was declared as the rider of both HIT THE BID and MAGICAL BEAM. It was established that K Teetan had a firm commitment to ride HIT THE BID. As such, the Stewards permitted H W Lai to be substituted as the rider of MAGICAL BEAM. For this declaration error, K Teetan was fined $2,000. FAMILY INTERESTS and SPLENDID HORSE both began awkwardly and lost ground. Approaching the 1000 Metres, when being steadied to obtain cover, SIGHT SEEING got its head up on a number of occasions and then passing the 1000 Metres was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOLDEN DEER. CALIFORNIA ROCK lost its right front plate passing the 900 Metres. Also passing the 900 Metres, CALIFORNIA ROCK got its head up on a number of occasions when proving difficult to settle and after the 900 Metres became unbalanced after bumping FAMILY INTERESTS. CALIFORNIA ROCK then lost ground when reluctant to maintain its position between FAMILY INTERESTS and GOLDEN DEER. HOME JOYFUL HOME, which was following, was checked away from the heels of CALIFORNIA ROCK in consequence. Throughout the race, SPARKLING SWORD and SHOOTING STAR travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HIT THE BID, K Teetan stated that he had been asked to obtain cover if possible on the horse and it was envisaged that HIT THE BID may be able to obtain a position behind the leader. He said after crossing runners to his inside, he took hold of HIT THE BID near the 1100 Metres in order to allow a runner more widely drawn the opportunity to cross HIT THE BID. He said however HIT THE BID immediately commenced to travel keenly and when MASTER SOMMELIER improved to his outside and did not go on into the lead, HIT THE BID continued to prove very difficult to settle and would not relax. He added HIT THE BID continued to over-race until well after the 600 Metres and because of this, when asked for an effort in the Straight, the horse did not respond and weakened over the concluding stages. He said this was, in his opinion, directly attributable to the manner in which the horse travelled throughout the race. A veterinary inspection of HIT THE BID immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of STAG KNIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HIT THE BID, GOLDEN DEER and MASTER SOMMELIER were sent for sampling.