17/10/2010  Shatin  Race 5

SURE FORWARD was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was steadied when crowded for room between CHARMGOLD and NOBLE DE BEST. From a gate towards the outside, SOHNA was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 900 Metres, NOBLE DE BEST became unbalanced and got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SURE FORWARD which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHARMGOLD. AMAZING VENTURE and SOHNA, which were following NOBLE DE BEST, were hampered in consequence. Near the 850 Metres, MANY GAINS was taken to a three wide position by CHARMGOLD which shifted out away from the fence to be racing in a one-off position. After the 850 Metres, MANY GAINS raced tight between REAL SUPREME and CHARMGOLD. In the early part of the Straight, MANY GAINS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of REAL SUPREME which at this time commenced to give ground. Over the concluding stages, CONQUEROR was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHARMGOLD. When questioned, Apprentice C Y Ho (CHARMGOLD) stated that passing the 800 Metres he was racing in a position one horse off the fence behind CRISTAL MAGNUM. He said after being bumped by MANY GAINS, CHARMGOLD commenced to race keenly and he was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CRISTAL MAGNUM. He said despite restraining away from the heels of that horse, CHARMGOLD continued to prove difficult to settle, therefore he elected to shift to the outside of the heels of CRISTAL MAGNUM which resulted in CHARMGOLD and MANY GAINS making contact on a number of occasions. Apprentice Ho was advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to make a greater effort than he did on this occasion to steady his mounts away from the heels of runners in front rather than shifting out and causing interference to other runners. When questioned, Z Purton stated that he was not under any instructions on how to ride REAL SUPREME from barrier 14 today other than he was asked to obtain cover on the horse if possible. He said in the early stages he attempted to obtain a position behind MANY GAINS, however, CONQUEROR was urged along by its rider to maintain its position to the inside of REAL SUPREME which resulted in his mount racing three wide and without cover. He said passing the 900 Metres REAL SUPREME was taken in to a four wide position without cover when MANY GAINS was shifted out by CHARMGOLD. He said he allowed his mount to improve its position in an attempt to obtain a position closer to the rail, however, MANY GAINS and CHARMGOLD improved with REAL SUPREME which resulted in the horse continuing to race wide and without cover. He said for these reasons REAL SUPREME was not able to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of MINGS’ HERO after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of REAL SUPREME after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. AMBITIOUS DRAGON and JUST FANTASTIC were sent for sampling.