14/10/2007  Shatin  Race 10

After being boxed, WONG’S SUCCESS became fractious and momentarily had its right hind leg caught on the platform inside the barrier. WONG’S SUCCESS was removed from the stalls and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. WINNING SPEED began awkwardly and got its head up. In the early stages, CHATER SILK proved difficult to settle. In the early part of the Straight, CHATER SILK was awkwardly placed behind FIRST BABY and then near the 50 Metres was steadied when having difficulty obtaining clear running between FIRST BABY and CIRCUIT HERO. From the 400 Metres until the 200 Metres, WINNING SPEED, which was beginning to close the race off strongly, had difficulty obtaining clear running, then afterwards raced in restricted room and as a consequence was not fully tested. Near the 150 Metres, Apprentice H W Lai (CIRCUIT HERO) dropped his whip. In the Straight, FIRST BABY hung in and proved difficult to ride. When questioned regarding YANKEE leading today, D Beadman said he had won on the horse when it had raced in Australia. He said he knew the horse to be one-paced and therefore he requested permission of the connections to ride the horse in a forward position and even lead if circumstances permitted as he anticipated today’s race would be slowly run. He said YANKEE had been successful when adopting this racing style prior to arriving in Hong Kong. Apprentice K L Chui (MUTUAL FUN) said he had been instructed to have the horse in 4th or 5th position. He said in the early stages he endeavoured to obtain a position with cover, however, was not able to do so and therefore allowed the horse to travel in a forward position rather than restrain it. He said as a consequence of racing without cover, MUTUAL FUN was disappointing in the manner in which it closed the race off. MUTUAL FUN was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of MUTUAL FUN after the race did not show any significant findings. YANKEE and FAIR WIN were sent for sampling.