21/02/2010  Shatin  Race 4

DARREN began awkwardly. SEASON LINKZ and LOADS OF JOY bumped at the start. For some distance approaching the 200 Metres, UNIQUE SPEED was steadied when unable to obtain clear running. Inside the final 50 Metres, UNIQUE SPEED was again steadied and became awkwardly placed on the heels of WELL NOTED which shifted in slightly. In the run to the winning post, UNIQUE SPEED continued to race close to the heels of WELL NOTED. When questioned, Apprentice T H So (BELONG TO CASA) stated that as he was instructed to lead, he rode his mount aggressively in the Back Straight to do so. He said despite his riding of BELONG TO CASA, the horse was slow to muster speed and took some time to obtain a forward position. He said approaching the first turn he intended to cross DANABAA to his inside and race to the outside of LOADS OF JOY, however, he did not believe he was sufficiently clear of DANABAA to shift in and rather than continue to make use of BELONG TO CASA into the turn, he elected to remain racing in a three wide position outside and in advance of DANABAA. Apprentice So was advised that whilst the Stewards accepted that he had made considerable use of BELONG TO CASA in the early part of the race, he should have made more of an attempt approaching the first turn to improve his position slightly so that BELONG TO CASA would be in a position to cross DANABAA and race outside of the lead rather than racing in a three wide position without cover. He was further advised that wherever possible he should avoid covering unnecessary ground on his mounts. When questioned, B Prebble (INDUSTRIAL MARVEL) stated that due to the anticipated fast tempo of the race, he had been instructed to ride his horse behind the speed if possible. He said in the early stages INDUSTRIAL MARVEL was left racing wide and without cover and for this reason he elected to allow his mount to come back and obtain a position to race in behind DARREN but with cover. He said for this reason INDUSTRIAL MARVEL travelled further back in the field than had been anticipated today. He said rounding the first turn INDUSTRIAL MARVEL was checked away from the heels of DARREN which commenced to give ground and this resulted in INDUSTRIAL MARVEL losing further ground. A veterinary inspection of SEASON LINKZ including an endoscopic examination after the race revealed the horse had bled in both nostrils and had lost its left front plate. A veterinary inspection of DARREN after the race showed the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, DARREN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LOADS OF JOY and WELL NOTED were sent for sampling.