19/09/2015  Shatin  Race 2

TRIUMPHANT LIGHT travelled keenly in the early stages. Passing the 650 Metres, FAIR WIND raced in restricted room between MALAYAN PEARL and THORS BOLT. Approaching the 300 Metres, CHEERFUL FRAME was shifted out from behind MASQUERADER and then for some distance raced in restricted room between MASQUERADER and TRIUMPHANT LIGHT. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if BRIGHT CONCEPT had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from Apprentice K K Chiong, Trainer W Y So and Starter, Mr T McGovern. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the videos, it was established that as the start was effected, BRIGHT CONCEPT, which was being assisted in the stalls by a handler, got its head in the air and lost a considerable amount of ground after being very slow to leave the barrier stalls. As the Stewards formed the view that the handler had not played any part in the manner in which BRIGHT CONCEPT had left the barrier stalls, they deemed that horse to be a runner and accordingly weighed-in was declared on the numbers semaphored by the Judge. Before being allowed to race again, BRIGHT CONCEPT will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of THORS BOLT, G Mosse stated that he had been asked, if possible, to ride the horse with cover and it was hoped that this would be in a forward position possibly behind the leaders. He said in the early stages he was caught wide and without cover, however, he was able to shift in after the 700 Metres to obtain a trailing position behind TRIUMPHANT LIGHT. He said passing the 500 Metres he became concerned with the manner in which THORS BOLT was travelling as the horse was not travelling as strongly as he would have expected. He said because of this he was obliged to ride THORS BOLT along, however, the horse did not quicken at any stage and finished off the race only one-paced. He added after speaking with connections after the race, it was decided that consideration would be given to adding blinkers to the gear of THORS BOLT in an endeavour to have it concentrate in its races. A veterinary inspection of THORS BOLT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BRIGHT CONCEPT, CHEERFUL FRAME and TRIUMPHANT LIGHT were sent for sampling.