06/01/2013  Shatin  Race 7

After being loaded, BREEZE OF LUCK became fractious and reared. Before being allowed to race again, BREEZE OF LUCK will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. Also after being loaded, ATACX became fractious, reared and got its right front leg over the front gates. ATACX was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse had sustained abrasions to the right front leg and as such was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of ATACX. Before being allowed to race again, ATACX will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SECRET SHAM began very awkwardly and shifted in, resulting in RACING REWARD being crowded for room. KING’S FOLKS began awkwardly. From the outside barrier, BREEZE OF LUCK was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the first turn near the 900 Metres, AFFLUENCE OF RAIN shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SECRET SHAM. Then making the first turn, AFFLUENCE OF RAIN got its head on the side, shifted out and bumped GOLDEN SCALPEL. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, MI SAVVY got its head on the side and shifted out away from SECRET SHAM which itself was shifting out under pressure. Then near the 100 Metres, MI SAVVY was bumped by SECRET SHAM (N Callan) which continued to hang out under pressure. N Callan was advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to make more of an effort to straighten his mount than he did on this occasion. In the Straight, MY NAME IS BOND hung in and proved difficult to ride. When questioned, Y T Cheng stated that in its barrier trials in the lead up to today’s race GOLDWEAVER had been able to obtain a forward position and accordingly he was asked by the horse’s trainer, Mr Y S Tsui, to ride the horse in the first four if possible today. He said GOLDWEAVER began only fairly and then in the early stages did not show any early speed despite being ridden along. He said although his saddle shifted back marginally in the early stages, this did not present any difficulties for him in the manner in which he was able to ride GOLDWEAVER. He said as he had been instructed to obtain a forward position if possible, he continued to ride GOLDWEAVER along rather than steady his mount after the 1000 Metres and attempt to obtain a position with cover. He said as GOLDWEAVER did not show sufficient pace to clear runners to its inside, it was left racing wide and without cover. Y T Cheng was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, after riding his mount along in the early stages, he should have attempted to obtain a position with cover on the horse as it was always likely approaching the first turn that GOLDWEAVER would be left racing wide and without cover. He was further advised to ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner so that they do not cover unnecessary ground wherever possible. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GOLDEN SCALPEL had lost its right front plate. SECRET SHAM, AFFLUENCE OF RAIN and BUNDLE OF LOVE were sent for sampling.