04/12/2011  Shatin  Race 8

FAIR NAVIGATOR proved very difficult to load. Having in mind FAIR NAVIGATOR’s previous history in respect of barrier issues, the Stewards ruled that prior to being permitted to race again, FAIR NAVIGATOR will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. Just prior to the start being effected, DIAMOND KNIGHT became fractious and as the start was effected was slow to begin. OSCAR WONDER shifted in at the start, resulting in FAST FORWARD being taken in onto EASY TRACK which was hampered. For some distance after the 400 Metres, XI YING MEN and SUPREME JEWELLERY raced tight outside SPACE RACE (G Mossé) which got its head on the side and hung out. Then near the 200 Metres, SUPREME JEWELLERY was shifted to the inside of SPACE RACE when that horse continued to shift ground outwards. G Mossé was advised that whilst the Stewards accepted that SPACE RACE was hanging out, he must at all times ensure that he is making every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground and causing interference to other runners. Near the 150 Metres, DIAMOND KNIGHT, which was laying out, was steadied away from the heels of LONGWAH RISING which shifted out. When questioned, H W Lai stated that despite riding JADE CHRISTY along in the early stages, the horse did not show early speed. He said although JADE CHRISTY was momentarily crowded for room outside XI YING MEN near the 900 Metres, his mount at this time was finding it difficult to keep up with the pace of the race in the early stages. He said because of this he suggested to connections that they consider stepping JADE CHRISTY up in distance in its future races. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on FAIR NAVIGATOR at the request of Trainer A T Millard. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, FAIR NAVIGATOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JADE CHRISTY, ORIENTAL PROPOSER and SPACE RACE were sent for sampling. <5/12/2011 Addition to Racing Incidents Report>Approaching the 700 Metres, AL PRINCE was steadied away from the heels of JADE CHRISTY (H W Lai) which shifted in. H W Lai was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future.