18/03/2012  Shatin  Race 3

On arrival at the Start, RADIOMARELLI had its right front plate refitted. RADIOMARELLI was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. WINNING INSTINCT was crowded for room at the start between DR WIN and GRAND DANCER which shifted out. Near the 1200 Metres, when proving difficult to settle, FLASH KNIGHT bumped the hindquarters of RADIOMARELLI on a number of occasions. Approaching the 1200 Metres, SICHUAN LEGEND was crowded for room inside JOLLY FINE which was taken in slightly by FLASH KNIGHT which shifted in when continuing to prove difficult to settle. Passing the 1200 Metres, WINNING INSTINCT was steadied when awkwardly placed between FLASH KNIGHT and RAINBOW FIGHTER. For some distance approaching and passing the 1000 Metres and again approaching the 700 Metres, ENDURING (C Williams) proved difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of POLYMER WIN. After the race, C Williams stated that due to the tempo of the race ENDURING did not settle and because of this was not able to close off. Passing the 400 Metres, RADIOMARELLI (N Callan) was severely checked when disappointed for running between POLYMER WIN and DR WIN which shifted in slightly. As there was not sufficient room for RADIOMARELLI to improve between POLYMER WIN and DR WIN at the time of attempting the run, no further action was taken other than to advise N Callan to exercise care when attempting runs in similar circumstances. A short distance after this, DR WIN broke down and was eased out of the race. A veterinary inspection of DR WIN after the race revealed that the horse was lame in the left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, DR WIN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Approaching the 300 Metres, ENDURING was shifted out away from the heels of FLASH KNIGHT. When ENDURING shifted out, SICHUAN LEGEND was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. When questioned, N Callan (RADIOMARELLI) stated that he was aware that FLASH KNIGHT had over-raced in the early stages and had been caught wide. He said after the 800 Metres he was aware that FLASH KNIGHT was racing to his outside and he felt that having in mind the manner in which that horse travelled in the early stages, it would remain at the girth of RADIOMARELLI rather than being ridden forward at that stage of the race. He said at the 700 Metres he observed that FLASH KNIGHT was being allowed to stride forward in an endeavour to take up a closer position and for this reason he elected to shift RADIOMARELLI to the outside of DR WIN to prevent FLASH KNIGHT from improving around RADIOMARELLI. He said however that FLASH KNIGHT improved somewhat quickly and for this reason he was not able to shift RADIOMARELLI out at this time and as a result became awkwardly placed close to the heels of DR WIN. N Callan was advised to ensure that he is aware of other runners improving their positions which have the potential for horses ridden by him to be held up for clear running. When questioned regarding the improved performance of POLYMER WIN, Trainer P F Yiu stated that he had been satisfied with the first two runs of the horse in Hong Kong even though it finished towards the rear of the field in these races. He said in both races POLYMER WIN was not beaten far and he had been satisfied that it had displayed ability. He said at its most recent start over 1000 Metres, POLYMER WIN had struck interference at the 600 Metres and, in his opinion, this incident accounted for its disappointing run in this race. He said as POLYMER WIN was drawn towards the inside today, he gave the horse a good chance of placing in the race. When questioned, O Doleuze said that he had been instructed to ride FLASH KNIGHT quietly as the horse had performed well when ridden in this manner at its most recent start. He said FLASH KNIGHT began well and he immediately took hold of the horse in an endeavour to obtain cover towards the rear of the field. He said as he was steadying FLASH KNIGHT, the horse immediately commenced to over-race and proved very difficult to settle. He said passing the 1200 Metres he attempted to shift in behind RADIOMARELLI, however, JOLLY FINE improved its position to race behind RADIOMARELLI and for this reason he was not able to shift in. He added after this FLASH KNIGHT continued to over-race and when he was left racing three wide and without cover after the 1000 Metres he elected to allow the horse to stride into a more forward position rather than continue to fight against the horse. He said after being allowed to improve its position, FLASH KNIGHT settled better, however, at the entrance to the Straight immediately came under pressure to hold its position. He said despite being ridden along FLASH KNIGHT then weakened out of the race in the Straight. He added whilst the circumstances of today’s race had gone against FLASH KNIGHT, he was concerned with the manner in which the horse came under pressure at the entrance to the Straight and its failure to respond to his riding at any stage in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of FLASH KNIGHT after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea and that it had sustained a superficial wound to the right front pastern. Before being allowed to race again, FLASH KNIGHT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of ENDURING after the race revealed that the horse had sustained a superficial wound to the left hind pastern, however, the horse was not able to be scoped. FLASH KNIGHT, POLYMER WIN and JOLLY FINE were sent for sampling.