01/05/2008  Shatin  Race 10

In the early stages, FLORAL NIRVANA travelled wide and without cover and approaching the 1000 Metres was ridden along to go forward and shift closer to the rail. Near the 1400 Metres, FANTASTIC GUY and SEA TREASURE raced tight inside INDUSTRIAL EXPRESS which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MAVERICK. In the middle stages, MAVERICK and INDUSTRIAL EXPRESS were hampered and carried wider by LONDON EXPRESS (Z Purton) which gradually shifted out for a considerable distance. Z Purton was severely reprimanded and told he would be expected to show greater consideration for his fellow riders. MAVERICK made the turn at the 800 Metres awkwardly, got its head on the side and was then carried wider by ROCKET WIN which shifted to the outside of TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND. After this, MAVERICK continued to race wide and without cover. ROCKET WIN hung out making the Home Turn and shifted wider. In the early part of the Straight, LHOJONG had some difficulty obtaining clear running. Over the concluding stages, DASH AHEAD shifted wider on the track. The declaration of weighed-in was deferred as the Stewards considered crowding over the concluding stages cast doubt as to whether TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND ought to be declared the 2nd placegetter. After viewing the films, it was established TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND which had come from behind FLORAL NIRVANA shifted in over the concluding stages, brushed FLORAL NIRVANA and raced tight with that horse in the run to the line. In the circumstances, the Stewards did not consider it appropriate to proceed with a formal protest/objection hearing and weighed-in was declared on the numbers as semaphored by the Judge. G Mossé (NORTHERNER) was told where circumstances permit he must continue to ride his mount out at least hands and heels to the end of the race. Mr C S Shum, trainer of TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND, explained he instructed Apprentice C W Wong to ride the horse in a midfield position with cover if possible. He said however the circumstances of today’s race meant the horse had travelled further forward than anticipated. When questioned regarding the improved performance of the winner, DASH AHEAD, Mr L Ho, trainer of the horse, explained following its last start on 30 March 2008 when it performed poorly, he decided to give DASH AHEAD a freshen up. He said a blood test following that poor performance indicated to him that the horse was “flat”. He said in the lead up to today’s race DASH AHEAD had been given a light preparation and in his opinion the horse had benefited from racing fresh. LONDON EXPRESS was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of LONDON EXPRESS after the race did not show any significant findings. DASH AHEAD and TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND were sent for sampling.