19/10/2011  Shatin  Race 4

CLASSIC BOY began awkwardly. After the 800 Metres, STAR SON shifted in, resulting in BROTHERS IN ARMS being taken in onto the hindquarters of MIRAGE R which became unbalanced. After the 700 Metres, BROTHERS IN ARMS became unbalanced when racing in restricted room between STAR SON and MIRAGE R. At the 400 Metres and again passing the winning post, MUSTANG became badly unbalanced. When questioned, Y T Cheng stated that from barrier 14 he had been instructed to be positive on GILDED FLIGHT in the early stages and attempt to cross runners to his inside. He said it was felt that GILDED FLIGHT would resent the kickback on tonight’s All Weather Track surface if it was ridden behind runners and it was hoped that the horse would have sufficient speed to be able to obtain a forward position close to the rail. He said however that horses drawn to the inside of GILDED FLIGHT showed superior speed in the early stages despite him riding GILDED FLIGHT along. He said because of this GILDED FLIGHT was required to race three wide and without cover throughout the race. Trainer B K Ng, who was not present at tonight’s racemeeting, will be interviewed prior to the Happy Valley racemeeting next Sunday, 23 October 2011 in respect of the instructions given to Jockey Cheng. A veterinary inspection of MUSTANG and HAPPY SCORE after the race did not show any significant findings. GOLDEN TREASURE and CLASSIC BOY were sent for sampling.