14/10/2012  Shatin  Race 7

After being loaded, TREASURE GOLD became fractious, reared and momentarily sat down. TREASURE GOLD was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, TREASURE GOLD will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. Also after being loaded, ALDAWAY became very fractious. ALDAWAY, which was having its first race start in Hong Kong, will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial before being allowed to race again. CORPORAL JONES stood flat-footed as the start was effected and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, CORPORAL JONES will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. From a wide barrier, STERLING CITY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. In the early stages, MONEYMAKER was left racing wide and without cover and after the 1000 Metres was allowed to improve its position close to the lead, however, continued to race wide and without cover. After the 500 Metres, ALDAWAY was taken wider by STERLING CITY which shifted out to improve. At the entrance to the Straight, COSTA DEL SOL was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of MONEYMAKER. Passing the 250 Metres, TREASURE GOLD got its head on the side and shifted out towards the hindquarters of BOMBER JET. A short distance later, BOMBER JET shifted in after becoming unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by TREASURE GOLD, resulting in TREASURE GOLD being checked when crowded for room between that horse and FINN MACCOOL. As the Stewards were of the opinion that there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. When questioned, C K Tong stated that after being loaded, BORN TO WIN, which was having its first race start in Hong Kong, became fractious and was inclined to get its head down on a number of occasions. He said for this reason he shortened his hold on BORN TO WIN. He said as the start was effected, as he had been instructed from the outside barrier to shift BORN TO WIN across behind runners, he took hold of the horse, however, BORN TO WIN began very awkwardly and got its head up, resulting in him becoming unbalanced in the saddle. He added that a short distance after the start, he was able to regain his balance and rode BORN TO WIN along to make up lost ground in a position closer to the rail. C K Tong was advised that his explanation would be noted, however, he should, wherever possible, give his mounts sufficient rein to ensure that they are able to begin as well as possible. Having considered the barrier manners of BORN TO WIN, the Stewards ruled that prior to being permitted to race again, the horse will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. When questioned regarding the performance of THE PEAK, which was having its first race start since 25 March 2012, D Whyte stated that he was able to obtain a good run with cover in the early stages behind APOLLO CAVALIER and inside MONEYMAKER. He said rounding the Home Turn he shifted THE PEAK to the outside of MONEYMAKER into clear running and when placed under pressure after the 400 Metres THE PEAK initially responded well to his riding. He said however that over the final 200 Metres THE PEAK’s run ended and it finished off the race one-paced. He added that, in his opinion, THE PEAK would take benefit from today’s race. A veterinary inspection of THE PEAK after the race did not show any significant findings. THE PEAK, STERLING CITY and APOLLO CAVALIER were sent for sampling.