20/01/2013  Shatin  Race 7

EXQUISITE CHAMPION was withdrawn on 18.1.13 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore right fore tendon) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter GARLIC BOY (Z Purton). Before being allowed to race again, EXQUISITE CHAMPION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On leaving the Parade Ring, ASHKIYR made contact with a running rail. ASHKIYR was examined by the Veterinary Officer on arrival at the barriers who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. GARLIC BOY was crowded for room at the start between ENDOWING and CHATER DREAM which shifted in. Shortly after the start, ASHKIYR was crowded for room between WAH MAY STAR and GOLD-FUN which was bumped by RAINBOW CHIC which itself was taken in by CALIFORNIAVITALITY. From wide barriers, NAVEL ORANGE and HAPPY ERA were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Throughout the race, GOLD-FUN travelled wide and without cover. The performance of CALIFORNIAVITALITY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIAVITALITY 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, Z Purton stated that due to the manner in which horses were finishing off their races towards the outside in previous races, he had been instructed by Mr C H Yip, the trainer of GARLIC BOY, to make every endeavour to shift that horse to the outside of runners in the Straight. He said after being momentarily held up for clear running after the 400 Metres, GARLIC BOY was then able to finish off the race strongly after shifting out to make its finishing run. When questioned, Y T Cheng stated that he had been asked to ride WAH MAY STAR in a forward position and it was hoped that the horse would be able to obtain the position outside the leader which it was felt would likely be ENDOWING. He said when racing in blinkers for the first time today and when no other runner showed early speed, WAH MAY STAR was left racing on its own in the lead after having to be ridden along in the early stages to take up a forward position as instructed. He said when racing on its own, WAH MAY STAR proved difficult to settle and after attempting to steady the horse in the early stages, he allowed WAH MAY STAR to travel in the lead as he did not want to fight against the horse. He said this resulted in WAH MAY STAR racing at a quicker tempo than had been hoped. A veterinary inspection of WAH MAY STAR after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ENDOWING, U Rispoli stated that he had been instructed to ride the horse in a forward position and if possible lead the race. He said it was anticipated that other runners would also be ridden to obtain forward positions, however, it was felt that ENDOWING would have sufficient speed to lead on the rail. He said however ENDOWING today did not show early speed and had to be ridden along for a considerable distance to obtain a leading position. He said after the 1500 Metres it became apparent to him that WAH MAY STAR, which he was aware was wearing blinkers for the first time today, was showing superior speed and ENDOWING was not travelling well enough to maintain its position to the inside of that horse. He said ENDOWING, after the 1400 Metres, commenced to travel satisfactorily, however, near the 700 Metres had to be niggled along to maintain its position. He said after this ENDOWING came off the bridle and despite being ridden out in the Straight was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to respond to his riding. He added that during the race ENDOWING did not appear to him to be stretching out comfortably. A veterinary inspection of ENDOWING after the race did not show any significant findings. GOLD-FUN and GARLIC BOY were sent for sampling.