25/09/2016  Shatin  Race 6

As the start was effected, HAY GO LUCKY lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently began awkwardly. A BEAUTIFUL shifted out at the start and bumped HOUSE OF FUN which in turn was taken out onto MEGATRON which was inconvenienced. REWARDING FLYER began awkwardly, shifted out and hampered SUPERIOR BOY. Approaching the 900 Metres, HAPPY FIERY DRAGON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of POWER DRAGON which was being steadied in an attempt to obtain cover. POWER DRAGON was however obliged to travel wide and without cover throughout the race. Rounding the Home Turn, HAPPY FIERY DRAGON and REWARDING FLYER were hampered and taken wider by MEGATRON (N Callan) which shifted out. N Callan was advised to exercise more care. At the entrance to the Straight, SUPERIOR BOY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of REWARDING FLYER. Over the final 150 Metres, SUPERIOR BOY (O Doleuze) lay in under pressure, proved difficult to ride and passing the 50 Metres shifted in and bumped HOME RUN which became unbalanced. O Doleuze was advised that whilst the Stewards accepted that SUPERIOR BOY was proving difficult to ride, given he was riding the horse with the whip in the left hand as it was shifting in, he should ensure that he rides with more care in similar circumstances. When questioned, S Clipperton stated that it had been intended for REWARDING FLYER to be ridden in a forward position as it was at its last start when successful, however, it was anticipated that today’s race would be run at a faster tempo than at its most recent start. He said after beginning awkwardly, he rode his mount along, however, it soon became clear that REWARDING FLYER was not showing sufficient pace to be able to obtain a forward position and therefore, after passing the 1300 Metres, he steadied REWARDING FLYER and shifted that horse across behind runners to obtain cover. A veterinary inspection of POWER DRAGON immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a small cut to the inside of the left hind heel. A BEAUTIFUL, HOUSE OF FUN and SUPERIOR BOY were sent for sampling.