16/01/2010  Shatin  Race 1

NAMJONG FIGHTERS was slow to begin and then hung out throughout the event. Making the first turn, METRO RIDER and SPLENDID SAILS raced tight on the inside of ALIVE AND KICKING which shifted in when momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of SINGLE MALT which was crossing in front. After this, ALIVE AND KICKING was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 600 Metres, TIBIDABO was hampered when crowded for room between WINNING STRATEGY and NAMJONG FIGHTERS which shifted ground while hanging. Passing the 500 Metres, METRO RIDER was steadied when crowded for room between SPLENDID SAILS and ALIVE AND KICKING which shifted in slightly. Shortly after entering the Straight, KING’S CHOICE and SINGLE MALT bumped as KING’S CHOICE attempted to shift out from behind HIGH NOTE. After this, KING’S CHOICE was held up for running for a short distance. Near the 200 Metres and again near the 50 Metres, HIGH NOTE raced in restricted room inside SINGLE MALT. The performance of TIBIDABO, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TIBIDABO 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 regarding the disappointing performance of GOLDEN BOY, M W Leung said that the horse, which was dropping back in distance today from 1650 Metres to 1200 Metres, was not able to lead as hoped it would be. He said he rode the horse along vigorously in the early stages to take up a forward position as instructed including using the whip on the horse, however, other horses showed superior speed and GOLDEN BOY was obliged to race back in the field and wide. Mr C W Chang, the trainer of GOLDEN BOY, stated that he would have preferred for the horse to race in an All Weather event over the 1650 Metres, however, a suitable race was not available. He added for this reason he felt today’s race was the most suitable under the circumstances. He said although GOLDEN BOY was dropping back in distance, he still expected a forward showing from the horse as it had trialed particularly well in a 1000 Metre barrier trial at Sha Tin on 5 January 2010. He said he had instructed the rider of GOLDEN BOY to obtain a forward position, if possible, as he believes that the horse is best suited when ridden in this manner. He said however that the horse clearly did not show sufficient speed to go forward in today’s race and this, in his opinion, had a large bearing on the GOLDEN BOY’s disappointing performance. Although the Stewards were conscious that GOLDEN BOY was dropping back in distance today, they considered the performance of the horse, a last start winner, to be unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GOLDEN BOY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN BOY and ALIVE AND KICKING after the race did not show any significant findings. SPLENDID SAILS, SINGLE MALT and HIGH NOTE were sent for sampling.