08/09/2012  Shatin  Race 10

CULTURAL CITY was crowded for room at the start between AFRICA LIGHT and WINNING LEADER which got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly. When being shifted out to relieve the tightening to CULTURAL CITY, AFRICA LIGHT bumped HEALTHY BLUEBERRY. From a wide barrier, PERI PERI SAFFRON was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 1000 Metres, ABSOLUTE FANTASY was left racing wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of AFRICA LIGHT, H W Lai stated that he had been instructed to obtain a midfield position if possible. He said he rode his mount along in the early stages to take up the position as instructed, however, despite being ridden along, AFRICA LIGHT did not show any early speed and because of this raced further back in the field than had been intended. He said his mount travelled only fairly throughout the race and after being placed under heavy pressure after the 600 Metres, he commenced to use the whip on the horse rounding the Home Turn. He said despite being vigorously ridden along in the Straight, AFRICA LIGHT did not respond to his riding and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of AFRICA LIGHT after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of AFRICA LIGHT, which had been successful at its two most recent starts, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, AFRICA LIGHT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CULTURAL CITY, O Doleuze stated that his mount became very fractious prior to the race. He said CULTURAL CITY had also proved head strong in its track work in the lead up to today’s race. He said after being slow to begin and being crowded for room, he rode CULTURAL CITY along and the horse was able to take up a midfield position. He said CULTURAL CITY travelled fairly, however, came under pressure in the early part of the Straight and despite being ridden along did not finish off the race. He added that, in his opinion, CULTURAL CITY’s performance could be attributed to the horse’s pre-race manners. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY RECORD and CULTURAL CITY after the race did not show any significant findings. WINNING LEADER, VICTORY MASTER and FREAK ZONE were sent for sampling.