05/10/2008  Shatin  Race 9

As the start was effected, STAR LEGEND lifted its front feet off the ground, began awkwardly and lost ground. Near the 1000 Metres, TOP TOP LIGHT, which had been ridden along to go forward in the early stages, was steadied away from the heels of WEI HAI INVINCIBLE and in doing so shifted in, resulting in ELEGANCE FORTUNE being taken in onto WELL NOTED which became unbalanced. For some distance after this, WELL NOTED raced tight inside ELEGANCE FORTUNE, resulting in WELL NOTED losing ground. Because of this, WELL NOTED raced further back than is usual. K L Chui reported after this WELL NOTED did not travel well and in his opinion resented the kickback. The performances of STAR LEGEND and SUPREME GOLD, which finished at the rear, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, STAR LEGEND and SUPREME GOLD will both be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding his riding of THUNDER FLASH in the early stages, Apprentice K C Leung said he was instructed to ride the horse behind the speed in 3rd, 4th or 5th position. He said accordingly he allowed THUNDER FLASH to begin and did not ride the horse along in the early stages as a number of runners to his outside were going forward of him. He said he allowed THUNDER FLASH to travel where it was comfortable rather than riding his mount along. He said rounding the first turn he was obliged to momentarily steady THUNDER FLASH when ELEGANCE FORTUNE shifted in. He said when placed under pressure in the Straight THUNDER FLASH finished the race off only fairly. Apprentice Leung was advised in the opinion of the Stewards he had not made sufficient effort to ride to instructions in that he allowed THUNDER FLASH to get too far out of its ground. He was also advised he should have ridden THUNDER FLASH more positively in the early stages to obtain a position to be racing behind DEMINER which would not have afforded ELEGANCE FORTUNE the opportunity to shift in in front of him. Apprentice Leung was further advised wherever possible he should ensure he rides according to instructions. STAR LEGEND was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of STAR LEGEND after the race did not show any significant findings. ELEGANCE FORTUNE, SUNNY GOLF and SOLAR MIGHTY were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TOP TOP LIGHT had blood present at its right nostril. He said an endoscopic examination showed its trachea to be clean and as such TOP TOP LIGHT was not deemed to have bled.