01/07/2010  Shatin  Race 10

After being loaded, BULLISH GOLD became fractious, reared and got its left front leg over the barrier partition. BULLISH GOLD was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of BULLISH GOLD. Before being allowed to race again, BULLISH GOLD will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. EASY WINNER began awkwardly. MY HOME TOWN was slow to begin. Passing the 400 Metres, MY HOME TOWN was steadied when crowded for room between LEGEND and PRESTO which shifted to the outside of CHATER WAY to improve its position. After this, MY HOME TOWN was shifted to the outside of runners to obtain clear running. At the entrance to the Straight, LUCKY NINE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of IRON FIST. CHATER WAY had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Throughout the race, MASTER POWER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, C W Wong stated that he had been instructed by both the trainer and the owner of NEW GLORY to obtain a forward position on the horse and if no other runner showed superior speed, it was acceptable for him to lead the race. He said however it was anticipated that NEW GLORY would probably be able to obtain 3rd or 4th position. He said that he rode NEW GLORY positively in the early stages to cross runners to his inside and after reaching the rail attempted to steady NEW GLORY. He said however when PRIME CHAMPION raced to the outside of NEW GLORY, his mount raced keenly and would not settle. He said because of this the tempo in the early and middle stages of the race was faster than he had hoped. Trainer D J Hall confirmed the instructions given to C W Wong. He stated that prior to the horse`s most recent start NEW GLORY had been successful in a barrier trial when ridden in the lead. He said therefore he advised C W Wong to ride NEW GLORY, which was up in distance, positively in the early stages to take up a forward position. A veterinary inspection of MASTER POWER after the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY NINE and ENRICHED were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that LEGEND had lost its left front plate.