06/11/2010  Shatin  Race 2

SUCCESSFUL ERA was slow to begin. RED RULER was slow to begin, then shifted out and made contact with the hindquarters of KING ON EARTH. Shortly after the start, SUPER STRIKE was crowded for room between CHAMPAGNE DAYS and NAMJONG FIGHTERS which shifted out. Near the 1200 Metres, SUPER STRIKE became badly unbalanced when bumped by POWER DRIFTER which, after initially being taken in by JUST GOOD, then shifted in of its own accord. In this incident, POWER DRIFTER also became badly unbalanced. Passing the 400 Metres, DOUBLE DRAGON was bumped by DUKE’S VICTORY which shifted out to obtain clear running from behind SPICY SHRIMP. After taking evidence from T Angland (DUKE’S VICTORY) and Apprentice K C Leung (DOUBLE DRAGON), in the presence of Apprentice Leung’s allocated trainer, Mr P O’Sullivan, the Stewards advised Apprentice Leung that they had concerns over the manner in which he extended his right arm away from his body shortly after the 400 Metres towards DUKE’S VICTORY which at this time was shifting out. Apprentice Leung was further advised that in similar circumstances he must refrain from extending his arm away from his body so as to ensure that no part of his body makes contact with another horse or rider. Over the concluding stages, RED RULER raced in restricted room between SPICY SHRIMP and DUKE’S VICTORY. Throughout the race, CHAMPAGNE DAYS travelled wide and without cover. After the race, it was noted that T Angland’s whip had broken during the running of this race. When questioned, W C Marwing (MIGHTY FEELING) stated that he had been instructed from barrier 14 to attempt to obtain a position in front of midfield and most importantly he should attempt to obtain cover. He said that it was explained to him and he was aware that MIGHTY FEELING can travel keenly in its races and it was hoped that MIGHTY FEELING would be able to obtain a position with cover to assist it in settling so that it would be able to finish off the race. He said after beginning well, he commenced to shift across with runners and had hoped to obtain a position behind CHAMPAGNE DAYS which he observed was being ridden along in the early stages. He said he took hold of MIGHTY FEELING approaching the 1200 Metres to obtain this position, however, MIGHTY FEELING was travelling strongly and he was not able to immediately position MIGHTY FEELING behind CHAMPAGNE DAYS. He added that when MIGHTY FEELING was in a position to shift across behind that runner, NAMJONG FIGHTERS had assumed the position to the inside of MIGHTY FEELING and behind CHAMPAGNE DAYS and because of this he was not able to obtain cover on MIGHTY FEELING and that horse was obliged to race wide and without cover for the majority of the race. Trainer D E Ferraris confirmed the instructions given to W C Marwing and stated that it had been stressed upon Jockey Marwing to attempt to obtain cover on the horse if possible. A veterinary inspection of CLASSA after the race did not show any significant findings. SPICY SHRIMP and DOUBLE DRAGON were sent for sampling.