14/10/2012  Shatin  Race 10

On arrival at the barriers, the tongue tie fitted to KEEN WONGCHOY was adjusted. NEW VISION shifted in at the start and bumped CHEERS JOY. From wide barriers, EARL OF LEITRIM and KEEN WONGCHOY were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. VAUGIRARD was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 300 Metres. For some distance passing the 200 Metres, KYARA was checked when held up for clear running behind HAPPY INDEX. KEEN WONGCHOY was not able to obtain clear running at any time in the Straight and consequently was not able to be tested. Near the 100 Metres, KEEN WONGCHOY was further steadied when held up and racing tight between KYARA which shifted out and VAUGIRARD which was racing tight inside FAT CHOY OOHLALA. Close to the finishing line, VAUGIRARD was steadied away from the heels of FAT CHOY OOHLALA which shifted in marginally. Because of this, VAUGIRARD was not able to be ridden out right to the end of the race. For the major part of the race, RUMBA KING travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned regarding his riding of FIONN’S TREASURE, R Fourie stated that he had been instructed to ensure that he led today’s race if at all possible. He said it was explained to him by Mr C S Shum, the trainer of FIONN’S TREASURE, that it is felt that FIONN’S TREASURE is able to finish off its races when able to lead. He said although the tempo of the race in the early and middle stages was faster than he had hoped, he was reluctant to steady FIONN’S TREASURE to take up a position behind HAPPY INDEX because of what he considered to be explicit instructions. Mr Shum confirmed that he had given Jockey Fourie instructions not to hand up the lead to HAPPY INDEX if possible. He said whilst he expected HAPPY INDEX to be in a forward position, he had hoped that by being positive on FIONN’S TREASURE in the early stages from an inside barrier, the horse may be able to assume the outright lead. A veterinary inspection of AMIGO and FIONN’S TREASURE after the race did not show any significant findings. FIONN’S TREASURE, FLEET COMMAND and MY NAME IS BOND were sent for sampling.