09/12/2012  Shatin  Race 9

NEW VISION made contact with a rail on the way to the Start. After arriving at the barriers, NEW VISION was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. FAY FAY and DESTINED FOR GLORY were slow to begin. From wide barriers, FAIR TRADE and NEW VISION were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 800 Metres, FAY FAY commenced to over-race badly and had to be checked away from the heels of ABLE SPEED for some distance. DESTINED FOR GLORY, which was following, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FAY FAY in consequence. Rounding the Home Turn, BEAUTY FLASH (M Guyon) was bumped and taken wider by DESTINED FOR GLORY (B Prebble) which shifted out. B Prebble was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. M Guyon was spoken to regarding his actions during this incident specifically involving his right elbow. He was advised to ensure that he does not make contact with other riders during a race wherever possible. FAIR TRADE had difficulty obtaining clear running after the 200 Metres. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of M Guyon (BEAUTY FLASH), 3rd placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned, C Y Ho stated that similarly to its last start, he had been instructed to obtain a forward position on PENGLAI XIANZI if possible. He said after the blindfold was removed from PENGLAI XIANZI in the barriers, the horse became very fractious and lunged at the front gates and then was slow to begin. He said shortly after the start runners to the outside shifted across the line of PENGLAI XIANZI and because of this he was not able to obtain a position as instructed and consequently raced further back in the field than had been intended. After the race, Apprentice C Y Lui (FAMILISTS) reported that when racing three wide outside SUPREME WIN after the 1100 Metres, he noticed that a gap was available for him to shift in behind SUPREME WIN and for some distance after the 1000 Metres he attempted to steady FAMILISTS to shift in to obtain this position. He added however that FAMILISTS was over-racing at this time and he was not able to bring the horse back quickly enough to position it behind SUPREME WIN. He said it was not until near the 800 Metres that he was able to restrain his mount sufficiently to possibly shift in behind SUPREME WIN, however, at this time REAL SPECIALIST and FAY FAY had improved their positions to be racing to the inside of FAMILISTS and as such he was not able to shift in. He said because of this FAMILISTS was obliged to race three wide and without cover throughout the race. A veterinary inspection of NEW VISION after the race did not show any significant findings. REAL SPECIALIST and HELENE SPIRIT were sent for sampling.