11/05/2013  Shatin  Race 5

AMBITIOUS GLORY was slow to begin and then was ridden along in the early stages to make up lost ground. TIME WINNER was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, BO BO EXPRESS was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, MAROON PRINCE was bumped by CHINA ANGEL which shifted out. When CHINA ANGEL was shifted in to relieve the tightening to MAROON PRINCE, AMBITIOUS GLORY was inconvenienced. Approaching the 650 Metres, WHAT A HEART got its head on the side and hung out across the heels of AMBITIOUS GLORY. This resulted in TIME WINNER being crowded for room inside MAROON PRINCE which, after being bumped by TIME WINNER, became unbalanced and shifted out abruptly. GRACYTOM, which was racing to the outside of MAROON PRINCE, was taken wider and was checked after blundering. After this, GRACYTOM travelled wide and without cover. As there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. Shortly after entering the Straight, HI MOLLY and TIME WINNER bumped. CHINA ANGEL and BO BO EXPRESS, which were following TIME WINNER, were held up for clear running in consequence. Near the 100 Metres, WHAT A HEART was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of TIME WINNER which shifted in under pressure. EXPEDITE was badly held up for clear running over the final 100 Metres and because of this was not properly tested. Throughout the race, HI MOLLY travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of HI MOLLY immediately following the race revealed that it was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, HI MOLLY will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, W M Lai stated that he had been instructed to ride GRACYTOM behind the leaders if possible. He said after being positive on his horse in the early stages, he commenced to shift across to race outside TARREGA after the 1100 Metres. He said as he was doing this, he received a call from the rider of AMBITIOUS GLORY which was being vigorously ridden to improve its position to the inside of the heels of GRACYTOM. He said as he was of the view that had he have continued to shift in that he would have caused interference to AMBITIOUS GLORY, he remained racing outside of that horse in the early stages. He added shortly after this he attempted to steady GRACYTOM and obtain a position with cover behind AMBITIOUS GLORY, however, before he was in a position to shift across behind that horse, MAROON PRINCE was ridden along to improve its position to the inside of GRACYTOM. He said this resulted in GRACYTOM racing wide. W M Lai was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have been more decisive in his riding of GRACYTOM so as to ensure that the horse was able to shift across to race outside TARREGA prior to AMBITIOUS GLORY improving its position. He was further advised to ensure that, wherever possible, he rides his mounts in such a manner so that they do not cover unnecessary ground. A veterinary inspection of CHINA ANGEL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AMBITIOUS GLORY, BO BO EXPRESS and TIME WINNER were sent for sampling.