01/10/2014  Shatin  Race 9

After being loaded, FOODIE became very fractious and reared on a number of occasions, resulting in K C Leung being dislodged. After K C Leung was dislodged, FOODIE continued to be fractious in the barriers. FOODIE was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. After the race, K C Leung stated that as FOODIE did not feel comfortable in its action, he retired the horse out of the race rounding the Home Turn. The barrier manners and the performance of FOODIE, which was having its first race start in Hong Kong, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FOODIE will be required to undergo a series of official barrier trials to the satisfaction of the Stewards and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SELKIRK STAR began only fairly. GOOD GOOD VIEW was crowded for room at the start between SMART BALL and BORN TO WIN which began awkwardly and shifted out after leaning on the outside of its stall. CONFUCIUS SPIRIT began awkwardly. Near the 1350 Metres, FLYING UNICORN shifted out and bumped BORN TO WIN. After the 1200 Metres, TARZAN I AM was hampered when crowded for room between MARVEL TRIBE and SHINY DAY, both of which shifted ground. When MARVEL TRIBE was shifted out to relieve the tightening to TARZAN I AM, FOODIE, which was racing to that horse’s outside, was inconvenienced. Passing the 700 Metres, GALAXY PRANCER, which was racing with its head on the side, was awkwardly placed inside the heels of BRILLIANT SHINE. Near the 550 Metres, GALAXY PRANCER was checked when crowded for room inside BRILLIANT SHINE which shifted in marginally when being checked away from the heels of SHINY DAY. Near the 150 Metres, SELKIRK STAR was accidentally struck across the nose by the whip of C K Tong (CONFUCIUS SPIRIT). For a short distance after this, SELKIRK STAR was awkwardly placed inside the heels of CONFUCIUS SPIRIT. Also near the 150 Metres, CONFUCIUS SPIRIT lost its left front plate. Near the 100 Metres, Z Purton (BRILLIANT SHINE) dropped his whip when changing it into his right hand. Throughout the race, SMART BALL travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, H W Lai stated that he had been asked to obtain a forward position on FLYING UNICORN which is the horse’s usual racing pattern. He said he was asked to attempt to obtain the lead on the horse, however, if another runner was intent on pressing forward, it was available to him to take a sit on FLYING UNICORN rather than continuing to ride his mount forward. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along in the early stages to clear runners to his inside and obtained a forward position. He said near the 1100 Metres it became apparent to him that SMART BALL was being ridden forward to lead and he attempted to steady FLYING UNICORN to allow that horse to cross. He said however that FLYING UNICORN would not settle at this time and he was not able to properly restrain the horse to allow SMART BALL to cross. He said this resulted in the race being run at a fast tempo in the early and middle stages. H W Lai was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he had failed to make sufficient endeavour to steady his mount after the 1100 Metres and his riding of FLYING UNICORN had resulted in the race being run at a fast tempo. He was reprimanded and advised that his riding of FLYING UNICORN was not of a standard expected of a senior rider in Hong Kong and he must ride his mounts with sufficient judgement to ensure that they are able to close off their races. BRILLIANT SHINE and MARVEL TRIBE were sent for sampling.