25/11/2007  Shatin  Race 2

After being boxed, PEARL OF INDIA became unbalanced, reared and dislodged O Doleuze, its rider. Prior to the declaration of weighed-in, the Stewards considered an application from Mr C H Yip, trainer of GALACTIC TACTIC, and Jockey C K Tong that the horse be declared a non-runner due to it being denied a fair start. Evidence was taken from Mr Yip and C K Tong. The official videos of the start were viewed. The Stewards formed the opinion that just prior to the start being effected, GALACTIC TACTIC became fractious, then reared as the start was effected and as a consequence lost a considerable amount of ground. In the circumstances, the Stewards did not believe GALACTIC TACTIC had had an unfair start and therefore ruled the horse to be a runner. Before being allowed to race again, GALACTIC TACTIC will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. Near the 1000 Metres, TELECOM PERFECT was steadied away from the heels of PEARL OF INDIA which shifted in when not properly clear. O Doleuze was advised to exercise greater care. TELECOM PERFECT made the turn near the 800 Metres awkwardly and was steadied away from the heels of PEARL OF INDIA. After the 800 Metres, FORTUNE WHEEL, which had been intended to be ridden quietly, was left racing wide and without cover. After the 700 Metres, PEARL OF INDIA got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of SPEEDY (G Boss) which shifted in when not properly clear. G Boss was told to exercise greater care. Near the 600 Metres, SPIRIT OF LO PAN was steadied away from the heels of ENERGETIC BOY which at this time was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TELECOM PERFECT. SPEEDY made the Home Turn awkwardly and hung out. In the Straight, TELEWIN hung in. Apprentice H W Lai (JOYFUL WORLD) explained he had been instructed to ride the horse in a position with cover if possible and he was to ride his mount quietly in the early stages. He said because the early tempo of the race was medium to slow, from a wide barrier he was left racing in a forward position four wide and without cover. He said in his opinion he would have been required to make considerable use of JOYFUL WORLD after the 1000 Metres to clear runners on his inside to shift to a position closer to the rail and this would have been contrary to his instructions. Mr A Lee, trainer of JOYFUL WORLD, confirmed the riding instructions issued to Apprentice Lai and said in his opinion the horse would have to have had too much use made of it in the early stages if it were to obtain a more forward position. S Dye (ACTIVE VALOUR) explained he had been instructed to ride the horse in about a midfield position if possible as in recent starts when being ridden further forward ACTIVE VALOUR had not been finishing its races off. He said when racing with a visor ACTIVE VALOUR had been beginning well and travelling forward without being made use of. He said today with the visor removed ACTIVE VALOUR did not begin as quickly and then immediately relaxed. He said because of this he allowed ACTIVE VALOUR to travel where it was comfortable which was further back than intended. He said the slow tempo of today’s race did not suit ACTIVE VALOUR, however, the horse still managed to finish the race off strongly when being ridden in this manner. GALACTIC TACTIC and FORTUNE WHEEL were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of GALACTIC TACTIC and FORTUNE WHEEL after the race did not show any significant findings. BRAVO BRAVO and MOONGLOW were sent for sampling.