10/05/2011  Shatin  Race 5

FULL VERSION and PEPPERMINT were slow to begin. From a wide barrier, HOW WONDERFUL was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. At the 1200 Metres, SWEETIE MUSIC shifted in and brushed ISTIDE when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SHAREMA FEELING. Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, PEPPERMINT was shifted out for clear running behind SWEETIE MUSIC and inside GRANDFIELD. Passing the 400 Metres, ISTIDE was momentarily steadied away from the heels of KINGSTON SAMBA. Approaching the 50 Metres, SHAREMA FEELING was steadied when racing in restricted room between HOW WONDERFUL which was shifted to the inside of SWEETIE MUSIC to improve and NAMJONG HUNTER which shifted out slightly. Over the concluding stages, ISTIDE raced tight inside SOHNA. Throughout the race, NAMJONG HUNTER and BOLD TACK travelled wide and without cover. The performance of FULL VERSION, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FULL VERSION 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, M Chadwick stated that he had been instructed not to use the whip in the backhand manner on BOLD TACK by Mr A S Cruz, the trainer of the horse. He said this was consistent with his instructions at its most recent start. Mr Cruz confirmed the instructions given to M Chadwick today and stated that whilst the horse had raced satisfactorily in the past when the whip was used on it, in his opinion, BOLD TACK gives its best without having the whip applied. When questioned, Z Purton (SOHNA) stated that passing the 600 Metres he was following ISTIDE which was racing in the one off position. He said although he had the option to come to the outside of that horse rounding the Home Turn, he felt that ISTIDE was being shifted out by its rider, therefore he elected to improve to the inside of ISTIDE with a view to obtaining a run between that horse and FULL VERSION. He said that at the entrance to the Straight ISTIDE did shift out, however, did not shift sufficient ground to allow SOHNA to improve its position between that horse and FULL VERSION. He said for this reason he was held up for clear running until near the 350 Metres at which time he shifted SOHNA to the outside of ISTIDE. He added SOHNA was then held up for clear running until passing the 200 Metres when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SHAREMA FEELING. PEPPERMINT, KING ON EARTH and SWEETIE MUSIC were sent for sampling.