01/07/2010  Shatin  Race 6

At declaration time, G Cheyne was declared as the rider of both SHARP BOY and UP RISING. As G Cheyne had a prior commitment to ride SHARP BOY, J Lloyd was substituted as the rider of UP RISING. As the Stewards were satisfied that this matter emanated from a misunderstanding between G Cheyne and the T W Leung stable, no further action was taken. REDOUTE STAR and SLEEP WELL were slow to begin. From wide barriers, INCREDIBLE EAGLE and DECENT FELLOW were taken back in the early stages. When questioned regarding his riding of SLEEP WELL in the early stages, W C Marwing stated that the horse began awkwardly and then was slow to muster speed. He said after travelling a short distance, SLEEP WELL commenced to travel better and was positioned to the outside of NORTH HILL. He said he had anticipated that NORTH HILL would improve its position approaching the 1400 Metres which would have allowed SLEEP WELL to shift in behind that horse and obtain cover. He said he was reluctant to steady SLEEP WELL to obtain the available position behind NORTH HILL as he felt that had he had done so that SLEEP WELL would have come off the bit. He said he had expected that NORTH HILL would be able to improve its position to allow him to shift in, however, when that horse maintained its position to his inside, SLEEP WELL was left racing three wide and near the 1000 Metres was left racing without cover. W C Marwing was advised that whilst his explanation was noted, wherever possible he should avoid covering unnecessary ground. In the Straight, GLENEALY VIKING shifted out under pressure. Throughout the race, SHARP BOY travelled with its head on the side and making the first turn shifted out and was awkwardly placed near the heels of GLENEALY VIKING. The performance of UP RISING, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, UP RISING will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. PUBLIC FIGURE, NORTH HILL and GLENEALY VIKING were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SLEEP WELL had lost its left front plate and that GREEN GLORY had lost its right front plate.