16/05/2012  Shatin  Race 1

GILDED FLIGHT began awkwardly. WORLD WAY began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of TANG PALACE which became unbalanced. RACING SPORT was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, FANTASTISCH was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SPARKLING was steadied away from the heels of TANG PALACE which shifted out after being bumped by STORM’S DESTINY. Near the 700 Metres, MASTER RACER was checked when crowded for room inside PRECISION MAGIC (W M Lai) which, when endeavouring to take a tight run between MASTER RACER and SUNSEEKER, shifted in after becoming awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUNSEEKER which at this time was bumped by RACING SPORT. W M Lai was advised that whilst there were some circumstances to this incident, nonetheless he must make every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground wherever possible. PRECISION MAGIC had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and after the 200 Metres was shifted to the inside of the heels of M’S MAGIC which shifted out slightly. When questioned, Z Purton stated that he had been instructed to lead if at all possible as M’S MAGIC has previously been found to have resented facing the kickback. He said for this reason he rode his mount aggressively in the run to the first turn to establish his position on the fence inside of FIERCE FORCE which was also racing in a forward position. He said because of his instructions, rather than allowing FIERCE FORCE to cross, he continued to ride his mount vigorously approaching and passing the 1400 Metres so as to maintain his position on the fence. He said he felt that by doing this, the rider of FIERCE FORCE would ease his mount which would allow M’S MAGIC the opportunity to maintain the position on the fence and accordingly would not have to face the kickback. He added however that TANG PALACE improved its position to the outside of FIERCE FORCE after the 1400 Metres which meant that he had to continue to ride M’S MAGIC along so as to maintain his position. He said that M’S MAGIC became unbalanced when crowded for room near the 1200 Metres and this allowed FIERCE FORCE the opportunity to cross M’S MAGIC. Mr P O’Sullivan, the trainer of M’S MAGIC, confirmed that he wished for the horse to be ridden in the lead as he explained to Jockey Purton that the hose raced more genuinely when not having to face the kickback. He said he did advise Jockey Purton that if another horse was intent on leading, he should allow that horse to cross, but immediately shift to its outside into clear running. He said whilst he felt that eventually too much use was made of M’S MAGIC in the early stages, he accepted the reason for Jockey Purton having to continue to attempt to maintain his position was due to TANG PALACE racing outside of FIERCE FORCE and accordingly it would have been incumbent upon him to go three wide outside TANG PALACE and FIERCE FORCE to avoid the kickback. Z Purton was advised that whilst he had an obligation to attempt to ride to his instructions wherever possible, his riding of M’S MAGIC on this occasion had lacked the necessary judgement and initiative expected of a rider of his standing. He was further advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, the tempo and circumstances of the race in the early stages dictated that he would not be able to fulfil his instructions without having to make significant amount of use of the horse. C K Tong was severely reprimanded for failing to take sufficient measures to prevent FIERCE FORCE shifting in marginally near the 1200 Metres, resulting in M’S MAGIC becoming unbalanced when crowded for room. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he had been instructed to lead on TANG PALACE if possible, however, if other horses showed superior speed, it was available to him to obtain a position behind the speed. He said approaching the 1400 Metres he was left racing three wide and without cover outside FIERCE FORCE and as he believed that FIERCE FORCE was being ridden along to obtain the lead, he continued forward with a view to racing outside that horse once it was able to cross M’S MAGIC on the fence. He said it took some time for FIERCE FORCE to cross M’S MAGIC and TANG PALACE, which was racing with the blinkers tonight for the first time, commenced to travel keenly. He said after the 1200 Metres FIERCE FORCE was able to shift to the fence and at this time TANG PALACE was racing directly outside FIERCE FORCE. He said he attempted to steady TANG PALACE, however, with the blinkers on, the horse would not settle for him and when it appeared to him, after the 1100 Metres, that the rider of FIERCE FORCE was not going to continue to press forward, he elected to allow TANG PALACE to stride forward into the lead rather than fight the horse in order to sit outside FIERCE FORCE. He said he allowed TANG PALACE to gradually improve its position forward of FIERCE FORCE and was able to cross that horse near the 700 Metres. He said once he did this, he immediately steadied the tempo on TANG PALACE so as to provide the horse the opportunity to finish off the race, however, when FIERCE FORCE and M’S MAGIC improved around TANG PALACE after the 500 Metres, TANG PALACE came under pressure and weakened after this. M Chadwick was advised that his riding of TANG PALACE is not of the standard that is expected of a senior rider in Hong Kong. He was further advised that in future he must ride his mounts in such a fashion so as to afford them the opportunity to finish off their races. A veterinary inspection of TANG PALACE after the race revealed that the horse had a restricted action behind. The performance of TANG PALACE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TANG PALACE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SUNSEEKER had lost its left front plate. M’S MAGIC, SPARKLING and ICE FIRE were sent for sampling. <17/5/2012 Additional Veterinary Report> TANG PALACE, which finished tailed out, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time the horse had a restricted action behind. TANG PALACE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A S Cruz this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg and had a stiff action in both hind legs. As previously advised, TANG PALACE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.