10/01/2010  Shatin  Race 5

As the stat was effected, MOONGLOW stood flat-footed and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, MOONGLOW will have to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. ALL TIME HIGH, which was fractious in the barriers, and NEW LEADER were slow to begin. Shortly after the start, VIVA GUY was checked when crowded for room between HIGH INTELLIGENT and ALWAYS AHEAD which was taken in by NATIONAL TREASURE which got its head on the side and shifted in. In this incident, HIGH INTELLIGENT became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by VIVA GUY. After this, HIGH INTELLIGENT was ridden along vigorously to go forward, however, was slow to muster speed and for this reason was not able to cross runners to its inside. Accordingly, HIGH INTELLIGENT travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. When questioned, Apprentice K C Leung (SPECTACULAR AWARD) stated that from the outside barrier he rode along in the early stages to cross the field. He said as he was shifting in approaching the 1200 Metres, he received a call from his inside which indicated to him that he was not clear to continue shifting in, therefore he straightened his mount to ensure he was clear of runners to his inside before continuing to shift inwards. He said due to having to correct SPECTACULAR AWARD, this allowed ALL TIME HIGH the opportunity to improve its position to his inside and after shifting in to a one off position, he became aware that he was no longer clear of ALL TIME HIGH and therefore was unable to cross to the fence without having to make considerable use of SPECTACULAR AWARD to then clear ALL TIME HIGH. A veterinary inspection of MOONGLOW and SOLAR WONDER after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SOLAR WONDER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SOLAR WONDER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NATIONAL TREASURE and QUANTUM EXPRESS were sent for sampling.