16/05/2010  Shatin  Race 5

HOW WONDERFUL was slow to begin. MOONGLOW began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, from a wide barrier, SURE GAIN was taken across behind runners. After the 900 Metres, MOONGLOW was left racing wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, FANTASTIC GUY raced tight between SUPER SURPRISE and GOLD RUSH which shifted out to improve. Near the 400 Metres, SUPER SURPRISE, FANTASTIC GUY and GOLD RUSH were taken wider by MOONGLOW which at this time was taken out by TREMENDOUS PLUS which shifted out to obtain clear running. At the entrance to the Straight, SPARKLING was steadied away from the heels of TREMENDOUS PLUS. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that J Lloyd’s riding out of TREMENDOUS PLUS over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s placing, he was nonetheless again reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out to the end of the race where circumstances permit. J Lloyd was advised that this was the second occasion within the last two meetings that the Stewards had to remind him of his obligation in this respect. When questioned, Apprentice M L Yeung stated that SPARKLING hung in badly in the Straight and in particular over the final 200 Metres. He said due to the manner in which SPARKLING was hanging in, he was not able to properly test that horse in the Straight. He added that near the 150 Metres he looked to his inside to ascertain whether there were runners on his inside. He said when he observed that there were no runners close to his inside, he continued using the whip on the horse, however, SPARKLING continued to hang in over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of MOONGLOW after the race did not show any significant findings. HO WONGCHOY, FANTASTIC DANCER and STOLEN THUNDER were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HOW WONDERFUL had lost its left front plate.