01/02/2009  Shatin  Race 10

OASIS DAVIS was slow to begin. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, GOOD PARTNER was checked to avoid the heels of MING HOI TREASURE which initially got its head on the side and hung in towards the rails and then got its head up and shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of BOLERO. On straightening, OASIS DAVIS was bumped and carried wider by WISE LOVER which shifted out. Near the 350 Metres, Apprentice K C Leung (RED RULER) dropped his right rein which he was unable to regain for some distance. The Stewards advised Apprentice Leung that as it has been noted he has on previous occasions dropped his reins in races, he must take measures to prevent this occurring in the future where possible. At the 300 Metres, GOOD PARTNER was steadied and shifted in when disappointed for running between SURE GOOD and BOLERO which got its head on the side and hung out. After the 200 Metres, FLY ME TO THE MOON was tightened for room inside RED RULER which when giving ground got its head on the side and shifted in. Throughout the race, WINBO travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, C W Wong (GOUF) explained the intention had been to have his mount begin well, then not to make use of it in the early stages and endeavour to travel in a position around midfield if possible. He said in accordance with those instructions after beginning well he did not ride GOUF along in the initial stages as he allowed other runners to go forward. He said approaching the 1200 Metres he commenced to ride GOUF along to maintain a midfield position. He said at the 1000 Metres he checked GOUF away from the heels of BROTHERS IN ARMS which steadied in front of him. He said as a consequence GOUF lost ground and travelled further back than intended. He said in the Home Straight GOUF closed the race off strongly. C W Wong, 7th placegetter, will be reminded of his responsibility to ride his mounts out to the end of the race at least hands and heels where circumstances permit. When questioned regarding the poor performance of RED RULER, Apprentice K C Leung said he was instructed to go forward, sit in 2nd or 3rd position if possible, however, if no other horses wished to lead it would be acceptable for him to lead. He said RED RULER began well and he immediately travelled forward into the lead without being ridden along to do so. He said RED RULER travelled keenly in the early stages, then making the turn at the 800 Metres became unbalanced as CIRCUIT HERO shifted across to race on its outside. He said RED RULER continued to race keenly with a runner to its outside in the middle stages, then in the early part of the Straight gave a reasonable response before commencing to give ground near the 200 Metres. He said in his opinion the horse's performance was due to it not being able to obtain cover in the race and because of this travelling too keenly. The Stewards will afford Mr D J Hall, the trainer of the horse, an opportunity of explaining the horse's poor performance at a date to be fixed. RED RULER was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. BROTHERS IN ARMS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of RED RULER and BROTHERS IN ARMS after the race did not show any significant findings. TERRIFIC BRETHREN and MING HOI TREASURE were sent for sampling. The Stewards will afford D Whyte (BROTHERS IN ARMS) an opportunity of explaining the horse's poor performance at a date to be fixed.