24/04/2016  Shatin  Race 4

WILD BOY blundered badly on jumping, resulting in its rider, M L Yeung, almost being dislodged. WILD BOY consequently took no active part in the race. On jumping, FANTASTIC FEELING was crowded for room between SUPREME FALCON and MULTIMAX which shifted out. From wide barriers, BOLSHOI BALLET, AMAZING MOMENT and IRON BOY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1000 Metres, FANTASTIC FEELING travelled keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions when proving very difficult to settle. Approaching the 600 Metres, CHARITY GLORY raced in restricted room between GLOBAL DOMINATION and CLASSIC VINEGAR. Passing the 300 Metres, YOUNG EMPIRE was directed away from the heels of SUPREME FALCON which shifted out. After the 200 Metres, MULTIMAX got its head on the side and shifted out under pressure. When questioned, J Moreira (DIEGO KOSTA) stated that in the early stages he was left racing wide and without cover and for some distance after the 1000 Metres looked to his inside to establish whether it was available to shift in behind MULTIMAX and obtain a position with cover. He said at this time he noted YOUNG EMPIRE was occupying that position and therefore it was not available for him to shift in. He said after the 800 Metres, due to the conditions that the race was being run in, he was not able to properly establish whether YOUNG EMPIRE was continuing to maintain its position to his inside and as such he was not aware that that horse had given ground when unable to maintain its positon. He added nonetheless DIEGO KOSTA travelled comfortably in the middle stages due to being able to keep the horse balanced in the conditions. When questioned regarding her riding of IRON BOY in the early part of the Straight, Apprentice K K Chiong stated that she rode her mount along approaching the 500 Metres and placed it under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn. She said IRON BOY did not appear to travel comfortably as it did not immediately pick up, however, she continued to ride the horse along hands and heels in the early part of the Straight. She said she commenced to use the whip prior to the 200 Metres and after this IRON BOY commenced to finish off the race strongly. She added she continued to ride IRON BOY all the way out to the line and the horse closed off the race well. Apprentice Chiong was advised that her lack of vigour on IRON BOY in the early part of the Straight had come under notice and she was further advised to ensure that she places her mounts under appropriate pressure at critical stages of the race to ensure that they are properly tested. A veterinary inspection of FANTASTIC FEELING, SUPREME FALCON and WILD BOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DIEGO KOSTA, GLORIOUS AVENUE and CLASSIC VINEGAR were sent for sampling.