07/10/2007  Shatin  Race 4

FIGS knuckled over at the start. CENAMIRA was slow to begin. BAUHINIA began awkwardly and then shortly after the start was crowded for room between SINOSPIEL and LIGHTNING SPEED which shifted out. GOLD GEM began awkwardly. From a wide barrier, DANEPRINT was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1200 Metres, HAPPY ASH was steadied away from the heels of MASTER YING. CENAMIRA, which was following, was steadied in consequence. Also near the 1200 Metres, DANEPRINT was checked when crowded for room inside SPARKLE which was taken in by SHOW BRAVELY (Apprentice K L Chui) which after being brushed by SINOSPIEL shifted in of its own accord. Apprentice Chui was advised whilst the Stewards could not hold him wholly responsible for the incident, nonetheless he was reprimanded and advised to ensure he leaves sufficient racing room for his fellow riders in future. Making the turn at the 700 Metres, DANZIGMOUNTAIN was shifted out away from the heels of SHOW BRAVELY which shifted out slightly, resulting in DANZIGMOUNTAIN and COULDN’T CARE LESS bumping. Rounding the Home Turn, HAPPY ASH was held up for clear running behind MASTER YING and to the inside of FIGS. Shortly after straightening, MASTER YING became unbalanced. Approaching the 200 Metres, SINOSPIEL and LIGHTNING SPEED bumped due to LIGHTNING SPEED hanging out. Near the 200 Metres, BAUHINIA, which was commencing to weaken, was checked when crowded for room between SINOSPIEL and CHEERFUL HAPPINESS (Z Purton) which got its head on the side and hung in away from GOLD GEM. In the circumstances, Z Purton was severely reprimanded and advised in similar circumstances he must make every endeavour to immediately prevent his mount from shifting ground when circumstances permit. In this incident, both SINOSPIEL and LIGHTNING SPEED were also hampered. After this, CHEERFUL HAPPINESS hung in. Throughout the race, CHEERFUL HAPPINESS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of BAUHINIA, O Doleuze stated after being slowly away he had to continually ride BAUHINIA throughout the race to maintain its position. He stated BAUHINIA never travelled kindly for him throughout the race. He added he shifted his mount to the outside of LIGHTNING SPEED passing the 700 Metres, however, the horse did not respond to his riding and was disappointing. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LIGHTNING SPEED, G Boss stated his mount travelled well throughout the race and when he placed his mount under pressure from the 500 Metres, the horse initially responded to his riding. He added shortly after straightening LIGHTNING SPEED came under pressure and although the horse was involved in an incident near the 200 Metres, at that time LIGHTNING SPEED was a beaten horse and was most disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding in the Straight. BAUHINIA, LIGHTNING SPEED and DANEPRINT were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of BAUHINIA, LIGHTNING SPEED and DANEPRINT after the race did not show any significant findings. MASTER YING, COULDN’T CARE LESS and GOLD GEM were sent for sampling.