12/05/2012  Shatin  Race 1

SEASONS CREST was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, GRANDWAY FLYER was crowded for room between TELECOM CHARGER and EAST OCEAN. A short distance after this, GRANDWAY FLYER shifted in and bumped TELECOM CHARGER. In the early stages, TELECOM NEW STAR proved difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. Approaching the 600 Metres, NEWSWIRE TOO was awkwardly placed close to the heels of REAL DRAGON. Approaching the 300 Metres, REAL DRAGON was inconvenienced when disappointed for running between NOBLE FLIER and FULL VALUE, both of which shifted ground. After this, REAL DRAGON was shifted to the inside of NOBLE FLIER to obtain clear running. At the 300 Metres, EAST OCEAN was switched out away from the heels of GRANDWAY FLYER which shifted in when commencing to give ground. In the Straight, SAMMY’S FORTUNE hung in and proved difficult to ride. Throughout the race, FULL VALUE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding of NEWSWIRE TOO rounding the Home Turn, W Pike explained that he had been instructed to hold NEWSWIRE TOO up in the early part of the Straight as the horse has a relatively short sprint and, previously when exposed to clear running too early in the Straight, has not found the line strongly. He said after the 600 Metres he was following REAL DRAGON which at this time was being shifted to the outside of GRANDWAY FLYER. He said although he had the opportunity to shift out and follow SAMMY’S FORTUNE through, having in mind his instructions, he elected to remain racing behind REAL DRAGON and gradually worked his way towards the outside of runners in the early part of the Straight. He added he was able to shift NEWSWIRE TOO to the outside of runners prior to the 200 Metres without being held up and the horse, once being shifted to the outside, finished off the race strongly. W Pike was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he should take advantage of the opportunity to improve his positions in races wherever circumstances permit. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GRANDWAY FLYER, Y T Cheng stated that approaching the 1200 Metres his mount got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of TELECOM NEW STAR. He said after this GRANDWAY FLYER proved difficult to settle and did not travel well at any stage of today’s race. He said the horse came under pressure after the 500 Metres and, despite being ridden out, did not respond to his riding in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of GRANDWAY FLYER after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, GRANDWAY FLYER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of EAST OCEAN after the race did not show any significant findings. GRANDWAY FLYER, NOBLE FLIER and SAMMY’S FORTUNE were sent for sampling.