25/04/2011  Shatin  Race 5

From wide barriers, DIVIDEND CHAMPION and POLYGOLD were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. WASABISABI began awkwardly and shortly after the start was crowded for room between EKRAAR EMPEROR and FOR SZESZE SAN. HAPPY FOREVER shifted out at the start and hampered ASTROKID. Near the 1100 Metres, A FEW GOOD MEN momentarily raced in restricted room inside SAMMY’S FALCON. For some distance approaching the 1000 Metres, GENERAL DANROAD was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY FOREVER. Making the first turn, A FEW GOOD MEN got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of WASABISABI. Also making the first turn, REAL GENEROUS and FOR SZESZE SAN lay out. REAL GENEROUS continued to lay out until after straightening. Near the 500 Metres, WASABISABI was steadied away from the heels of SAMMY’S FALCON which shifted to the outside of SHAREMA FEELING after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. Passing the 400 Metres, SHAREMA FEELING was steadied away from the heels of FOR SZESZE SAN. Near the 350 Metres, REAL GENEROUS was steadied when crowded for room between STAR OF FAME and WASABISABI which got its head on the side and shifted out slightly. After this, WASABISABI continued to get its head on the side and lay out. When questioned, J Lloyd stated that over the concluding stages SHAREMA FEELING commenced to shift out towards EKRAAR EMPEROR. He said for this reason he stopped riding SHAREMA FEELING close to the finishing line and gathered up the reins before being able to push SHAREMA FEELING just prior to the winning post. Whilst the Stewards formed the opinion that the riding of J Lloyd over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, bearing in mind the neck margin between SHAREMA FEELING and GENERAL DANROAD, 4th placegetter, nonetheless he was severely reprimanded and advised that wherever possible he should continue to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels right to the end of the race. A veterinary inspection of EJIMERIC TE SPECSO after the race revealed that the horse had bled from both nostrils and had lost its right front plate. A veterinary inspection of REAL GENEROUS and FOR SZESZE SAN after the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY FOREVER and WASABISABI were sent for sampling.