02/11/2008  Shatin  Race 8

On jumping, BLUE SKY was taken back. ROMPING was slow to begin. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, ROMPING got its head up and hung out when being steadied away from the heels of CLEMENT ELITE which was momentarily tight for room inside WIN AGAIN. On straightening, OLYMPICSHIP, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied when awkwardly placed between MISSION and PRESTO. For a short distance after straightening, PRESTO was steadied when having difficulty obtaining clear running. In the early part of the Straight, CLEMENT ELITE had difficulty obtaining clear running. Also in the early part of the Straight, ROCKET POWER had some difficulty obtaining clear running. At the 350 Metres, ROMPING, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was shifted in. At the 250 Metres, WIN AGAIN was steadied when awkwardly placed between SAFETY FIRST which drifted in and CLEMENT ELITE which was shifting out to obtain clear running. Throughout the race, CHAMPION LAD travelled wide and without cover. The performance of OLYMPICSHIP, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, OLYMPICSHIP will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. C K Tong (GOOD PARTNER) explained he had been instructed to ride his mount in 4th or 5th position if possible. He said from the outside barrier he went forward in the early stages in accordance with those instructions, however, after the 1200 Metres when it became apparent to him that he would be left racing wide and without cover, he decided to ride his mount along and cross to the fence in the lead. He said because of riding his mount along in this stage of the race, the tempo was a little faster than he would have liked, however, after crossing to the lead he was then able at the 800 Metres to steady the tempo. B Prebble (ROCKET POWER) said he was instructed if possible to lead on the horse. He said ROCKET POWER had disappointed the stable when being ridden more quietly and it was explained to him that the horse was over-racing. He said today in accordance with those instructions he went forward in the early stages, however, when GOOD PARTNER commenced to cross after the 1000 Metres he took a trail behind that horse as in his opinion he would have been required to make too much use to hold the lead. He said ROCKET POWER settled nicely in the run today and in the Straight after having difficulty in obtaining clear running closed the race off nicely. When questioned regarding his riding in the Home Straight, D Beadman (CLEMENT ELITE) explained that the horse is best suited when being held up to make its run for as long as possible and preferably near the 200 Metres as the horse in his opinion possess only a short sprint. He said today CLEMENT ELITE travelled in a midfield position, however, when clear running presented itself shortly after the 400 Metres he felt obliged to commence improving his position. He said he immediately placed CLEMENT ELITE under hands and heels riding and the horse responded nicely. He said he continued to ride CLEMENT ELITE vigorously out hands and heels in the run to the line and did not resort to using the whip as in his opinion CLEMENT ELITE was travelling at its best and given the length of the run it sustained today he felt it would not be beneficial to use the whip. He said when he was successful on CLEMENT ELITE at its last start, he did use the whip on several occasions, however, on that occasion he had managed to hold CLEMENT ELITE up until near the 200 Metres. He said on that occasion whilst CLEMENT ELITE kept on, the horse did not appear to quicken as a result of the whip being used. D Beadman was told his explanation would be reported. THUNDER DANCING was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of THUNDER DANCING after the race did not show any significant findings. PRESTO, CHAMPION LAD and CLEMENT ELITE were sent for sampling.