25/03/2015  Shatin  Race 4

YOUNG RANGER was withdrawn on raceday afternoon by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (elevated body temperature). Before being allowed to race again, YOUNG RANGER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BUDDY BUDDIES was slow to begin. SAFARI MAGIC began only fairly and then shortly after the start lost ground when crowded for room between PRINCE OF SUNSHINE which shifted out and RUGBY AMBASSADOR which shifted in when racing tight inside HEALTH WISE. This resulted in SAFARI MAGIC racing back in the field. Also shortly after the start, DIAMOND FRIENDS raced tight between HEALTH WISE and CONFUCIUS ELITE which shifted in. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, HEALTH WISE was steadied and shifted across behind RUGBY AMBASSADOR. Near the 1300 Metres, SAFARI MAGIC was steadied away from the heels of DIAMOND FRIENDS. Rounding the Home Turn, TRUE COMMENT and HEALTH WISE raced tight. At the entrance to the Straight, WIN ALONG raced tight between DIAMOND FRIENDS and RUGBY AMBASSADOR. Near the 100 Metres, TRUE COMMENT was steadied and shifted to the outside of CONFUCIUS ELITE to obtain clear running. Over the concluding stages, TRUE COMMENT and DIAMOND FRIENDS raced tight. Throughout the race, RUGBY AMBASSADOR travelled wide and without cover. The performances of SAMMY’S EMPIRE and FRESH AND FRESH, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SAMMY’S EMPIRE and FRESH AND FRESH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if CULTURAL CITY had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from M L Yeung and Trainer A Lee as well as the Starter, Mr T McGovern. After viewing the videos, it was ascertained that as the start was effected CULTURAL CITY put its head down to the left, resulting in the horse losing a significant amount of ground. As the Stewards were satisfied that CULTURAL CITY had caused its own difficulties, the horse was deemed to have been afforded a fair start and accordingly was declared to be a runner. Before being allowed to race again, CULTURAL CITY, which subsequently finished tailed out, will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, Apprentice H N Wong (SAFARI MAGIC) stated that after the 800 Metres he was in a position racing behind BUDDY BUDDIES and slightly to the inside of SAMMY’S EMPIRE. He said making the turn after the 700 Metres he observed that both BUDDY BUDDIES and SAMMY’S EMPIRE were being ridden along and he expected SAMMY’S EMPIRE to continue forward with BUDDY BUDDIES at this time which would hopefully have provided SAFARI MAGIC with the opportunity to shift to the outside of SAMMY’S EMPIRE and inside FRESH AND FRESH to commence a forward move on the outside of runners. He said however that after passing the 700 Metres it became apparent to him that SAMMY’S EMPIRE did not quicken as well as BUDDY BUDDIES, he shifted SAFARI MAGIC to the inside of SAMMY’S EMPIRE to improve his position. He said when he did this, SAFARI MAGIC momentarily raced tight inside SAMMY’S EMPIRE which lay in, however, he was able to commence to ride his mount along vigorously passing the 600 Metres. He added however that this resulted in BUDDY BUDDIES establishing a break over SAFARI MAGIC. Apprentice Wong was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have trailed BUDDY BUDDIES passing the 800 Metres and taken the opportunity to improve his position when that horse went forward rather than racing behind SAMMY’S EMPIRE given the relative chances of the two horses in question. A veterinary inspection of HEALTH WISE and CULTURAL CITY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SAFARI MAGIC, BUDDY BUDDIES and CONFUCIUS ELITE were sent for sampling.