06/12/2008  Shatin  Race 1

Whilst in the saddling stalls, BRAVE SPIRIT became fractious and lost a temporary tooth. BRAVE SPIRIT was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Shortly after the start, FAST GO was steadied to avoid the heels of STAR OF CHIU TON (H W Lai) which shifted in when not quite clear. H W Lai was advised to exercise more care. After the 1300 Metres, GREEN GLORY and STAR OF CHIU TON which was hanging in were momentarily crowded for room inside the heels of VANQUISH DELIGHT (W M Lai) which shifted in when not quite clear. W M Lai was told to exercise more care. Throughout the race, BRAVE SPIRIT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Y T Cheng (BIG WINNER AGAIN) explained he had been instructed to follow BIG PROFIT in the run. He said when the gates opened he was not sure where BIG PROFIT would be positioned, therefore he did not ride BIG WINNER AGAIN along to show early speed. He said shortly after the start BIG WINNER AGAIN was crowded for room between GREEN GLORY and FAST GO and he then noticed BIG PROFIT being ridden to go forward into the lead. He said he initially had a position behind BIG PROFIT, however, when that horse commenced to shift across to the fence, he was not able to do so as GREEN GLORY held its position on his inside. He said BIG WINNER AGAIN was then after the 1300 Metres again crowded for room between GREEN GLORY and STAR OF CHIU TON. He said when this occurred BIG WINNER AGAIN was left racing wide on the track. He said therefore after the 1000 Metres he steadied BIG WINNER AGAIN to take it back to a position with cover, however, he travelled further back than intended. Mr A T Millard, trainer of BIG WINNER AGAIN, confirmed the riding instructions issued to Y T Cheng. He said on viewing the race he was disappointed BIG WINNER AGAIN travelled back in the field and given that it is a horse which has shown speed was not ridden to his instructions. He said whilst he accepted BIG WINNER AGAIN met with some interference in the early stages of the race, he believed more use ought to have been made of BIG WINNER AGAIN in an endeavour to follow the riding instructions. Y T Cheng was told whilst the Stewards accepted there were some circumstances regarding BIG WINNER AGAIN racing near the rear of the field, he should where circumstances permit ride his mounts positively in an attempt to follow the riding instructions issued to him. BRAVE SPIRIT was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of BRAVE SPIRIT after the race did not show any significant findings. BIG PROFIT and HANNAH KING PRAWN were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FAST GO had lost its left front plate.