30/10/2011  Shatin  Race 1

When proceeding from the Parade Ring to the track, REGAL ARMY momentarily got down, resulting in its rider, Apprentice K C Ng, being dislodged. REGAL ARMY was examined by the Veterinary Officers and passed fit to start. On arrival at the barriers, REGAL ARMY was again examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse was suitable to race. GRAND CHAMPION was slow to begin. REALLY THE BEST shifted out abruptly at the start, resulting in TITANIUM ALLOY and PATRIOCH being badly crowded for room inside TANG PALACE which got its head on the side and shifted in after becoming unbalanced when bumped by PATRIOCH. In this incident, TITANIUM ALLOY lost ground. Shortly after the start, EVEN EMAIL, which was taken across behind runners from its wide barrier, was steadied away from the heels of GLORY HORSIE which shifted in. In this incident, EVEN EMAIL bumped WELL FIT. In the early stages, PATRIOCH proved difficult to settle when being steadied away from the heels of TANG PALACE. Making the first turn near the 850 Metres, BRILLIANT LIGHT got its head on the side and hung out across the heels of A-SPIRIT. After the 700 Metres, REALLY THE BEST, which was proving difficult to settle, was checked away from the heels of FIVE STARS HOTEL and shifted out and in doing so bumped A-SPIRIT which became unbalanced. BRILLIANT LIGHT, which was following REALLY THE BEST and which also was proving difficult to settle, shifted out abruptly when being checked away from the heels of REALLY THE BEST. Rounding the Home Turn, A-SPIRIT became unbalanced and shifted out after being brushed by FIVE STARS HOTEL. For the majority of the race, PATRIOCH travelled wide and without cover. G Mossé pleaded guilty to a breach of Rule 100(2) in that he failed to ride FULL VALUE, 6th placegetter, out to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stewards. For this reason, G Mossé was fined a sum of $20,000. When questioned, Apprentice M L Yeung stated that it was explained to him that WELL FIT had been racing keenly when ridden in a forward position in recent races and had consequently not been able to finish off its race. He said from barrier 11, he was asked to ride WELL FIT in a midfield position if possible today with cover and to ensure that the horse was settled. He said due to the circumstances of the race in the early stages, he was obliged to race further back than had been hoped, however, WELL FIT settled well during the race and when placed under pressure in the Straight finished off satisfactorily. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GRAND CHAMPION had lost its left front plate. FIVE STARS HOTEL, GLORY HORSIE and REGAL ARMY were sent for sampling.