01/10/2010  Shatin  Race 10

Prior to the first race, Assistant Trainer T P Yung representing Trainer J Size, who was absent from Hong Kong for today’s racemeeting, reported that SHOWTIME was showing signs of mild abdominal pain after having light work this morning. SHOWTIME was promptly examined by the Stable’s Clinical Veterinary Surgeon who reported that upon initial examination and following close monitoring of the horse’s condition, SHOWTIME was clinically normal and deemed suitable to run. SHOWTIME was again examined on arrival at the saddling stalls by the Veterinary Officer who reported, in his opinion, it was suitable to race. After arriving at the Start, B Prebble expressed some concern regarding the action of SOUNDS EXCELLENT. SOUNDS EXCELLENT was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said, in his opinion, it was suitable to race. BOLERO and ZEZAO were slow to begin. Approaching the 800 Metres, SEA PRINCE, which was being restrained by its rider to obtain cover and was proving very difficult to settle, was momentarily crowded for room by FLYING SUPREME which was taken in slightly by REGENCY WINNER (Apprentice M L Yeung) which was then directed back out by its rider. SEA PRINCE then got its head up, commenced to race fiercely and was checked a short distance later when FLYING SUPREME was again taken in momentarily by REGENCY WINNER which shifted in. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied the racing manners of SEA PRINCE exacerbated the incident, Apprentice Yeung was nonetheless reprimanded for failing to exercise due care. When SEA PRINCE was checked, ZEZAO shifted out and became awkwardly placed between SEA PRINCE and MASCOT FORTUNE. Shortly afterwards, FEARLESS commenced to improve into a narrow run to the inside of ZEZAO, however, was checked after the 700 Metres when that runner shifted back in towards the fence when racing tight inside BOLERO. As the Stewards were of the view that no rider was careless in this incident, no further action was taken. Approaching the 800 Metres, PLAN B was left racing wide and without cover. On straightening, BOLERO shifted out in order to avoid the heels of the tiring PLAN B, however, was disappointed for running between that runner and SHOWTIME. As a consequence, BOLERO bumped the hindquarters of SHOWTIME which became unbalanced. In this incident, BOLERO was checked and lost ground. At the entrance to the Straight, MASCOT FORTUNE was steadied when disappointed for running between REGENCY WINNER and PLAN B. Over the final 100 Metres, SOUNDS EXCELLENT hung in under pressure and proved difficult to ride. W C Marwing reported that he attempted to settle AFFLUENCE OF RAIN back in the field in the early stages, however, the horse commenced to race fiercely approaching the first turn. He said as a consequence he was unable to maintain his position behind SHOWTIME which obliged him to allow AFFLUENCE OF RAIN to shift wider. He added that as a result AFFLUENCE OF RAIN raced wide and without cover after the 800 Metres. A veterinary inspection of PLAN B after the race did not show any significant findings. SOUNDS EXCELLENT, FLYING SUPREME and AFFLUENCE OF RAIN were sent for sampling.