14/12/2008  Shatin  Race 5

SUNNY POWER began awkwardly and got its head up. On jumping, from a wide barrier, NIGHTLIGN was taken back. D Whyte (ENTHUSED) pleaded not guilty to a charge of careless riding in that commencing to make the turn at the 800 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of WAIKATO, causing that horse to lose its rightful running and be checked. In answer to the charge, D Whyte submitted there was still sufficient room for WAIKATO to remain racing on his inside had the horse been racing truly and not been hanging out. He called J Saimee, the rider of WAIKATO, who said that his mount shifted out at this time towards the heels of ENTHUSED and it was for this reason WAIKATO was checked. Having in mind of the circumstances, the Stewards did not believe it appropriate to sustain the charge. Making the turn after the 800 Metres, WAIKATO hung out. Near the 200 Metres, TOSHO COURAGE was momentarily steadied and shifted out away from the heels of SUNNY POWER. After the 200 Metres, ENTHUSED got its head on the side and shifted out. At the 150 Metres, C Brown (APACHE CAT), which was being shifted out in an endeavour to obtain clear running, momentarily dropped his left rein. In the Straight, APACHE CAT hung in. APACHE CAT, INSPIRATION and GREEN BIRDIE were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that APACHE CAT had lost its left hind plate.