13/04/2011  Shatin  Race 5

After being loaded, FLYING CHINA became fractious and reared. When this occurred, the pacifier with cowls worn by FLYING CHINA became damaged. As this piece of gear was unavailable at the start and as such could not be replaced without causing an unreasonable delay to the start of this race, FLYING CHINA was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. UPGRADING began awkwardly and then shortly after the start was steadied when crowded for room between SPLENDID CHAMPION and SUPER BRAND which was taken out by HOLIDAY SUN. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, UPGRADING was steadied when attempting to improve between THE UNTOUCHABLELAD and SUNRISE where there was insufficient room. In this incident, UPGRADING bumped THE UNTOUCHABLELAD which itself was steadied when tightened for room between that horse and LEGEND EXPRESS. Over the concluding stages, SUNRISE was taken wider by UPGRADING which got its head on the side and shifted out and away from MY HOME TOWN. When questioned regarding his riding of JUST FANTASTIC, Apprentice M L Yeung stated that he was instructed to be positive on the horse in the early stages and obtain a forward position. He said after racing outside of the leader, SPLENDID CHAMPION passing the winning post on the first occasion, JUST FANTASTIC got its head up for a short distance passing the 1400 Metres. He said when SUPER BRAND improved its position to the outside of JUST FANTASTIC, his mount settled better and for this reason he was content to allow JUST FANTASTIC to remain racing to the outside of SPLENDID CHAMPION even though the tempo of the race at this time was slow. He added that after reaching the lead, SUPER BRAND was steadied by its rider and the tempo of the race further slackened. He said near the 1100 Metres JUST FANTASTIC was taken wider by SPLENDID CHAMPION which shifted to the outside of SUPER BRAND after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. He said because of this JUST FANTASTIC was taken into a three wide position. He added he attempted to steady JUST FANTASTIC to obtain a position behind SPLENDID CHAMPION, however, due to the tempo of the race and the fact that HOLIDAY SUN had improved its position, he was not able to shift in to a position behind SPLENDID CHAMPION and consequently raced wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. Apprentice Yeung was reprimanded and advised that his riding of JUST FANTASTIC lacked judgement, particularly given the slow tempo in the early and middle stages. He was also advised that he should ensure his mounts are properly rated in their races given the prevailing tempo. When questioned, C W Wong stated that he had been instructed to bring SUNRISE to the outside of runners rounding the Home Turn and make his finishing run down the outside. He said passing the 600 Metres he attempted to position SUNRISE to the outside of MY HOME TOWN, however, when UPGRADING improved its position to the outside of SUNRISE at this point of the race, SUNRISE was left somewhat flat-footed which resulted in UPGRADING being able to improve its position and SUNRISE being disappointed for the run between MY HOME TOWN and UPGRADING. He said after this he rode the horse along to follow UPGRADING into the Straight and shifted to the outside of that horse immediately upon entering the Straight. C W Wong was advised to ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner so as to take advantage of runs as they become available. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of NEEDLES AND THREAD, B Doyle stated that prior to tonight’s race and when in the barriers, NEEDLES AND THREAD was uncharacteristically quiet. He said when there was a delay to the start being effected, NEEDLES AND THREAD, which can get worked up in the barriers, stood passively which was somewhat unusual for this horse. He said from the outside barrier he was asked to obtain a forward position on NEEDLES AND THREAD if possible. He said it was felt that SPLENDID CHAMPION and JUST FANTASTIC, which were drawn inside NEEDLES AND THREAD, would show early speed which would allow NEEDLES AND THREAD to obtain a position behind those horses. He said despite being ridden along vigorously for some distance after the start, NEEDLES AND THREAD failed to show any early speed and for this reason passing the winning post on the first occasion he took the horse across behind runners. He added that NEEDLES AND THREAD did not travel at any stage of tonight’s race as it had previously done on the surface and, in his opinion, was most disappointing. A veterinary inspection of NEEDLES AND THREAD after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of NEEDLES AND THREAD was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, NEEDLES AND THREAD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that JUST FANTASTIC had chipped the front of the upper left incisor tooth. A veterinary inspection of LEGEND EXPRESS after the race revealed that the horse was lame in the right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, LEGEND EXPRESS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JUST FANTASTIC, EASTERN EMPIRE and SUPER BRAND were sent for sampling.