08/06/2008  Shatin  Race 10

Near the 1000 Metres, EXCELLENT BOY was left racing wide and without cover. At the 500 Metres, EXCELLENT BOY was bumped by SIGHT WINNER which was endeavouring to shift out to obtain clear running. Then in the early part of the Straight, SIGHT WINNER and EXCELLENT BOY raced tight. Near the 200 Metres, SUPREME GAINS was shifted out to avoid the heels of BEING FAMOUS which was giving ground. Apprentice K T Yeung (SIGHT WINNER) explained he had managed to obtain a midfield position with cover in the early stages, however, his mount over-raced and proved very difficult for him to settle. He said because of this on a number of occasions he had to steady initially away from the heels of SOUTH BREEZE and then near the 1100 Metres away from the heels of FELLOWSHIP. When questioned, M W Leung (NORTHERNER) explained he had been instructed to allow the horse to begin, then travel where it was comfortable. He said NORTHERNER began well, he immediately shifted to the rail and when being ridden along the horse obtained a position behind the leaders. He said NORTHERNER travelled comfortably in the run, shortly after straightening was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of BEING FAMOUS which began to give ground. He said after this NORTHERNER kept on only one-paced in the run to the line. When questioned regarding the performance of HAIL THE STORM, D Beadman explained his mount appeared dull during the preliminary. He said HAIL THE STORM did not travel well at any stage of the race and in his opinion raced “flat”. He said when his mount was well beaten he did not persevere in riding it out. When questioned, Apprentice K L Chui (GALLANT CHAMPION) said he had been informed the horse when racing in blinkers at its last start travelled keenly and failed to close the race off. He said today stepping up in distance to 1800 Metres with the blinkers removed he was instructed to ride GALLANT CHAMPION quietly and endeavour to have the horse close the race off. He said in accordance with those instructions in the early stages he took GALLANT CHAMPION back to the rear. He said GALLANT CHAMPION travelled comfortably. He said passing the 1000 Metres he felt he was going to be too far from the lead, he therefore commenced to improve his position three wide. He said on straightening he took GALLANT CHAMPION to the outside, the horse was inclined to lay out with him after being bumped by CRUSADER OF GOLD at the 400 Metres and he therefore changed the whip into his left hand. He said GALLANT CHAMPION closed the race off fairly. LU YUE and GALLANT CHAMPION were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of LU YUE and GALLANT CHAMPION after the race did not show any significant findings. FELLOWSHIP and EXCELLENT BOY were sent for sampling.