05/02/2012  Shatin  Race 5

ROCKET PROUD knuckled over at the start and then shifted in, resulting in COSMIC BOOM being taken across BILLION GAINS which was steadied away from the heels of that horse after being slow to begin. COSMO ONE was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, DIAMOND RAINBOW was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 800 Metres, COSMO ONE (C W Wong) got its head up when racing in restricted room between SURFER BOY and BILLION GAINS. C W Wong said that after this incident the saddle on COSMO ONE rolled to the left hand side, placing him at a disadvantage. A veterinary inspection of COSMO ONE after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of COSMO ONE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, COSMO ONE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Rounding the Home Turn, BILLION GAINS was steadied away from the heels of COOL BEAN which shifted out. After the 400 Metres, HOT PEPPER and SUPREME HONG KONG were taken wider by SURFER BOY which, when being shifted to the outside of DYNAMIC CROSS to obtain clear running, was then taken out by that horse. At the 200 Metres, SURFER BOY shifted wider under pressure, resulting in its rider, Y T Cheng, changing his whip into his left hand. Throughout the race, LUCKY BOY, DREAMS MAKER and HOT PEPPER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Y T Cheng stated that as SURFER BOY had been finishing off its races only fairly whilst racing consistently at its most recent starts, it was decided for SURFER BOY, from barrier 10, to be ridden quietly today in the hope that it would be able to finish off the race. Trainer C H Yip stated that both himself and the connections of SURFER BOY had been disappointed with the manner in which the horse finished off its most recent start when it appeared as though it was going to be a strong winning chance when ridden behind the leaders. He said it was noticeable the manner in which SURFER BOY weakened over the concluding stages as the horse was not able to run in the first three placegetters after enjoying a good run. He said because of this it was decided today, from barrier 10, for the horse to be ridden more quietly in the hope that it would be able to finish off the race. He said following today’s race he was pleased with the manner in which the horse had quickened in the early part of the Straight albeit that he was once again disappointed with the manner in which it had finished off its race. He added depending on the circumstances of the race in which it is engaged for in the future, it will be his intention for the horse to be ridden off the speed in about a midfield position if possible. O’HALO, COSMIC BOOM and ROCKET PROUD were sent for sampling.