02/03/2013  Shatin  Race 2

As the start was effected, SOLDIER lifted its front feet off the ground and then blundered. Because of this, SOLDIER lost a considerable amount of ground. AMBASSADORSHIP began very awkwardly, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of LIFE OF BEAUTY. HIT A HOME RUN was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, ISLAND SPRING shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of MARK TWO which became unbalanced. In the early stages, WINNING LEGEND proved difficult to settle. Passing the 1300 Metres, ISLAND SPRING and VIVA DOLPHIN, which were following WINNING LEGEND, was hampered in consequence. AMBASSADORSHIP had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 200 Metres, AFRICA LIGHT was steadied when momentarily tightened between MALAYAN PEARL and AMBASSADORSHIP which shifted out. Approaching the 50 Metres, LIFE OF BEAUTY was hampered when disappointed for running between PLAIN RED BANNER and HIT A HOME RUN which got its head on the side and shifted out. Throughout the race, PLAIN RED BANNER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, C Y Ho stated that he had been instructed to ride VIVA DOLPHIN in about a midfield position if possible as the horse was attempting the Sha Tin 1600 Metres for the first time today. He said it was felt that if the horse was able to be ridden with cover off the speed, it would have more of a chance to see out the distance of the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of AFRICA LIGHT, Z Purton stated that although the horse was able to take up a more forward position today due to the average tempo of the race, it did not travel well at any stage and he was obliged to push his mount along throughout the race in an endeavour to have it maintain its position. He said AFRICA LIGHT came under pressure after the 600 Metres to maintain its position and after being shifted out into clear running rounding the Home Turn, it failed to respond to his riding. He said although AFRICA LIGHT was momentarily crowded for room approaching the 200 Metres, it was a beaten horse at this time. A veterinary inspection of AFRICA LIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, M L Yeung (ISLAND SPRING) stated that he was unable to offer any explanation for the horse’s disappointing performance. He said ISLAND SPRING did not travel comfortably at any stage and failed to respond to his riding when placed under pressure in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of ISLAND SPRING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped. After the race, it was reported that VIVA DOLPHIN had sustained minor wounds to both hind legs. A veterinary inspection of WINNING LEGEND immediately following the race revealed the horse to have bled from both nostrils. MARK TWO, WINNING LEGEND, AMBASSADORSHIP and MALAYAN PEARL were sent for sampling.