18/09/2011  Shatin  Race 9

SHINING TRIUMPH shifted out at the start and hampered ST DIDAR. Throughout the race, CITY POWER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Whyte stated that whilst he was not under any specific instructions on how SHINING TRIUMPH should be ridden, Mr J Size, the trainer of the horse, advised him that he did not want too much use being made of SHINING TRIUMPH in the early stages, from barrier 11, to take up a forward position as he was concerned that the horse would not be able to finish off the race. He said that shortly after the start he observed FIVE CLUBS, which was drawn inside SHINING TRIUMPH, being ridden along by its rider to obtain a forward position and he felt that he would have had to ride SHINING TRIUMPH vigorously to cross that horse which would then not allow SHINING TRIUMPH to finish off its race. He said that for this reason he shifted SHINING TRIUMPH in across behind FIVE CLUBS and followed that horse, the eventual winner, throughout the race. He added that SHINING TRIUMPH travelled well for him and rounding the Home Turn he felt that the horse was going to close off the race, however, shortly after entering into the Straight the horse got its head up and then failed to respond to his riding and was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race. Mr Size stated that at its second last start when successful SHINING TRIUMPH had travelled in a forward position without any use having to be made of the horse in the early stages. He said the horse was then able to finish off the race well. He said that at its final start last season SHINING TRIUMPH had to be ridden along to obtain a forward position and then, in his opinion, did not close off the race. He said he formed the opinion that day that SHINING TRIUMPH resented being ridden along and for this reason he did not want the horse to be pushed to obtain a forward position today. He added he had hoped that SHINING TRIUMPH would be able to obtain a midfield position, however, due to the manner in which FIVE CLUBS was positioned, this resulted in SHINING TRIUMPH racing further back than had been intended. A veterinary inspection of SHINING TRIUMPH after the race did not show any significant findings. SKY MASCOT, FIVE CLUBS and THE PRINCE were sent for sampling.