04/10/2009  Shatin  Race 10

As the start was effected, FORTUNE RED PEPPER reared and lost a considerable amount of ground. Also as the start was effected, REDRAGTOABULL became fractious, lifted both its front feet off the ground and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, FORTUNE RED PEPPER and REDRAGTOABULL will both have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. WALKONTHEWILDSIDE was slow to begin. Near the 1000 Metres, UNION’S STAR was steadied away from the heels of WALKONTHEWILDSIDE which shifted in slightly. For some distance passing the 800 Metres, FOREVER ELATION (H W Lai) proved difficult to settle and raced close to the heels of TAN TAT BABY. Then near the 700 Metres, FOREVER ELATION clipped the heels of TAN TAT BABY which became unbalanced. H W Lai was advised to do his utmost to ensure he does not race too close to the heels of horses in front. Over the concluding stages, TERRIFIC BRETHREN raced tight inside DREAM TEAM. Because of this, TERRIFIC BRETHREN was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. Throughout the race, IRISH JIG travelled wide and without cover. After completing its race, TOM’S SIX collapsed. J Lloyd, the rider of TOM’S SIX, was transported to hospital for precautionary X-rays on his left ankle. When questioned regarding his instructions on UNION’S STAR, Y T Cheng stated that he was instructed by Mr C H Yip, trainer of UNION’S STAR, that due to the wide barrier and the fact that horses appeared to be suited racing closer to the running rail, to take his mount back in the early stages, find the rail and then improve his position throughout the race. He said it was felt that if UNION’S STAR was ridden in a forward position, it would be caught wide and would not be able to finish off the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of REDRAGTOABULL, D Beadman stated that after beginning awkwardly and losing ground, REDRAGTOABULL was obliged to race at the rear of the field. He said due to the slow tempo of the race, REDRAGTOABULL would not settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. He added REDRAGTOABULL, which was racing first up since February today, raced “fresh” and due to the manner in which it raced, it was not able to close the race off. A veterinary inspection of REDRAGTOABULL and UNION’S STAR after the race did not show any significant findings. TERRIFIC BRETHREN, HORACE’S CHOICE and DREAM TEAM were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TAN TAT BABY had lost its left hind plate.