05/02/2011  Shatin  Race 4

As G Mossé was unable to fulfil the engagement on MR AWARD due to being overweight, O Doleuze was substituted as the rider of that horse. G Mossé was fined the sum of $5,000. Whilst in the saddling stalls, HONG KONG FAT had its left front plate refitted. HONG KONG FAT was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. LONGWAH RISING, which was leaning against the inside of its stall, began awkwardly. SUMMER DASH was slow to begin For some distance after the 1000 Metres, SUMMER DASH was awkwardly placed inside the heels of OTTIMO which itself raced tight to the inside of HORSESHOE FORTUNE. Making the turn after the 800 Metres, SUMMER DASH got its head on the side and hung out. MASTER KEY had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 400 Metres, OTTIMO was shifted to the inside of MR AWARD when disappointed for running between that horse which shifted out slightly and SUPREME FAY FAY. When attempting to take the run between MR AWARD and SUPREME FAY FAY, OTTIMO shifted out and bumped SUPREME FAY FAY on a number of occasions. Near the 300 Metres, SUPREME FAY FAY was steadied away from the heels of LUMINOUS which, when commencing to give ground, was taken out by HORSESHOE FORTUNE which itself was taken out by O’REILLY MAGIC. Throughout the race, LUMINOUS travelled wide and without cover. The performance of LUMINOUS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LUMINOUS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, Trainer A T Millard stated that from barrier 11 he instructed M Guyon to ride SUPREME FAY FAY quietly in the early stages. He said that he had been somewhat disappointed with the manner in which SUPREME FAY FAY had been closing off its race in recent starts when ridden in a forward position. He said therefore he instructed M Guyon to ride SUPREME FAY FAY with more patience in the early stages rather than have it ridden forward to overcome the wide barrier. He added that when ridden more quietly today, SUPREME FAY FAY, in his opinion, was able to finish off the race stronger than it had done recently. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HONG KONG FAT had lost its left front plate. LEADING CITY and CITY POWER were sent for sampling.