01/05/2011  Shatin  Race 3

TAI SING YEH was withdrawn on 30.4.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (fever). Before being allowed to race again, TAI SING YEH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FINAL ANSWER was slow to begin. LEADING CITY began awkwardly and bumped with MULTIGLORY. Shortly after the start, LEADING CITY was steadied away from the heels of JOY AND FUN which shifted in after being bumped by RICH UNICORN. Because of this, LEADING CITY travelled back in the field. For some distance approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, RICH UNICORN was checked away from the heels of JOY AND FUN. When questioned, O Doleuze (DIM SUM) stated that he had been instructed not to engage in a speed battle with MULTIGLORY, rather he should allow that horse to lead and obtain the position behind MULTIGLORY if possible. He said DIM SUM had previously performed successfully when racing behind the leaders. He said DIM SUM began well today, from the outside barrier he rode the horse along in the early stages and was able to cross to the fence near the 1000 Metres. He added that he then elected to steady the tempo and when he observed MULTIGLORY improving its position to his outside, he allowed that horse to stride forward and obtain cover on DIM SUM. Trainer J Moore confirmed that he had instructed O Doleuze not to engage in a speed battle with MULTIGLORY and rather he should sit off that horse. When questioned regarding his riding of SACRED KINGDOM principally after the 600 Metres, B Prebble stated that after the 1000 Metres SACRED KINGDOM was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RICH UNICORN which itself was being checked away from the heels of JOY AND FUN. He said after this SACRED KINGDOM obtained the position behind RICH UNICORN and he followed that horse in the run until near the 700 Metres at which time RICH UNICORN got its head on the side and shifted in to a three wide position outside VITAL FLYER. He said he observed that RICH UNICORN after this point in the race continued to race with its head on the side and, in his opinion, was laying out. He said RICH UNICORN is known to him for hanging out in its races. He added after the 600 Metres when SACRED KINGDOM was travelling well and having in mind the manner in which RICH UNICORN was racing, he allowed SACRED KINGDOM to improve its position inside the heels of RICH UNICORN rather than continuing to race behind that horse. He said that he felt that RICH UNICORN would continue to hang out rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight which would present an opportunity for SACRED KINGDOM to improve its position inside that horse. He said shortly after entering the Straight a run between RICH UNICORN and VITAL FLYER almost eventuated, however, as he was attempting to take this run, the room between RICH UNICORN and VITAL FLYER closed due to VITAL FLYER being taken out by FINAL ANSWER. He said because of this SACRED KINGDOM was held up for clear running until near the 250 Metres. B Prebble was advised that whilst the Stewards accepted that RICH UNICORN had previously been barred on two occasions in Hong Kong for hanging out, nonetheless they believed he had erred in allowing his mount to improve to the inside of RICH UNICORN rather than remaining on the back of that horse and shifting into clear and uninterrupted running to the outside of RICH UNICORN in the Straight. B Prebble was reprimanded and advised to ensure that wherever possible he rides his mounts in such a fashion that they are able to obtain clear and unimpeded running. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that JOY AND FUN had lost its right front plate. MULTIGLORY and SACRED KINGDOM were sent for sampling.