24/10/2010  Shatin  Race 2

As the start was effected, RAY`S FAVOURITE, which was leaning against the inside of its stall, reared. In this incident, RAY`S FAVOURITE struck its head on the overhead bar and as a result lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, RAY`S FAVOURITE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. SURFER BOY, which was fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin. EURO POWER was bumped by GOOD BOY BOY at the start. After this, EURO POWER, from the outside barrier, was taken across behind runners. Despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, NAMJONG FIGHTERS failed to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field. Approaching the 1000 Metres, SURFER BOY became unbalanced when bumped by SUPREME KNIGHT which at this time shifted out slightly. A short distance later, SURFER BOY was checked when crowded for room between SUPREME KNIGHT which continued to shift out and KING ON EARTH (B Doyle) which shifted in when not properly clear. B Doyle was severely reprimanded and told that although the Stewards did not hold him solely accountable for the incident, he should nonetheless ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Near the 850 Metres, KING ON EARTH was steadied away from the heels of GOOD BOY BOY (Z Purton) which, after initially being clear to cross KING ON EARTH, steadied the tempo which resulted in KING ON EARTH being awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOOD BOY BOY. SUPREME KNIGHT, which was proving difficult to settle, was steadied away from the heels of KING ON EARTH. GENERAL DANROAD, which was following SUPREME KNIGHT, was checked away from the heels of that horse in consequence and shifted out, resulting in SAMMY`S FALCON being taken wider. After this, GENERAL DANROAD proved very difficult to settle and for some distance was checked away from the heels of SURFER BOY. Z Purton was advised to ensure that he does not abruptly steady the pace of horses ridden by him. Passing the 300 Metres, TOUT VA BIEN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOOD BOY BOY when being shifted to the outside of that horse into clear running. Then near the 200 Metres, TOUT VA BIEN raced in restricted room between GOOD BOY BOY and SURFER BOY which shifted in when commencing to weaken. When questioned regarding the improved performance of EURO POWER, Trainer K L Man stated that the only explanation he could provide the Stewards was the fact that the horse had benefited from the drop in grade and the step up in distance to 1200 Metres today. He said irrespective of EURO POWER racing in Class 4 for the first time, he did not anticipate the horse to be a winning chance in today`s race and the horse`s performance had come somewhat as a surprise. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SURFER BOY, D Whyte stated that irrespective of striking interference approaching the 1000 Metres and the fact that SURFER BOY was left racing wide and without cover after the 900 Metres, the horse travelled well until the entrance to the Straight. He said when placed under pressure shortly after entering the Straight, SURFER BOY was most disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of KING ON EARTH, SURFER BOY and RAY`S FAVOURITE after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TOUT VA BIEN had sustained a laceration to its right front heels. Before being allowed to race again, TOUT VA BIEN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOOD BOY BOY, EURO POWER and SAMMY`S FALCON were sent for sampling.