28/01/2009  Shatin  Race 1

SUPER BOBO was slow into stride. For some distance after the 1500 Metres, CHEERFUL HAPPINESS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MYTHIC STEED. In the early stages, when racing wide and without cover, CELESTIAL WONDER proved difficult to settle, got its head up and travelled into a forward position. Near the 1100 Metres, JOYFUL YEARS was steadied away from the heels of NOBLE TWINS which was steadied and taken back to a position on the rail behind PRIMIATA. After this, JOYFUL YEARS proved difficult to settle. After the 1000 Metres, SUPER BOBO was left racing wide and without cover. After the 900 Metres, CHEERFUL HAPPINESS got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of MYTHIC STEED. In the middle stages, PACIFIC ALLIANCE hung out. Making the Home Turn, PRIMIATA hung out. From shortly after straightening until near the 200 Metres, JOYFUL YEARS was held up and unable to obtain clear running. Just prior to the winning post, PRIMIATA attempted to savage MYTHIC STEED. Mr A Lee, trainer of PRIMIATA, was advised a warning would be recorded against PRIMIATA and should it perform similarly in the future, further action may be taken. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied the riding of J Victoire (CELESTIAL WONDER) approaching the winning post did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his responsibility to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned, Z Purton (FRAMES DEPOT) said he had been instructed from the outside barrier to take his mount back to ensure he obtained a position with cover. He said it had been explained to him that previously when racing without cover FRAMES DEPOT had not closed the race off. Mr T K Ng, trainer of FRAMES DEPOT, confirmed the riding instructions issued to Z Purton. He said FRAMES DEPOT had disappointed him in the manner in which it closed its races off after failing to relax when racing without cover. He said at its most recent start FRAMES DEPOT travelled in a rearward position and closed the race off satisfactorily. He said today it was felt FRAMES DEPOT would not be able to obtain a position with cover if it was ridden to go forward in the early stages from the outside barrier. He said when being ridden back today FRAMES DEPOT was not suited by the slow tempo which made it difficult for it to close off in the manner in which it did last start. He added should PRIMIATA draw more favourably where it is able to obtain a position with cover while travelling comfortably, the horse will be ridden more prominently. SUPER BOBO and FRAMES DEPOT were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SUPER BOBO and FRAMES DEPOT after the race did not show any significant findings. PACIFIC ALLIANCE and MYTHIC STEED were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that WATCHMAN was lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, WATCHMAN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.