17/02/2013  Shatin  Race 9

ASHKIYR began only fairly. PRESIDENT LINCOLN shifted out at the start and bumped BLAZING SPEED. BEST SHOW and AKEED MOFEED both became unbalanced after bumping heavily on jumping. From the outside barrier, POETIC JUSTICE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1600 Metres, PRESIDENT LINCOLN blundered when crowded for room between IT HAS TO BE YOU which shifted out slightly and ASHKIYR which got its head on the side and shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. No further action was taken. In the early stages, due to the slow tempo, POETIC JUSTICE, AKEED MOFEED and HAPPY ERA proved difficult to settle. At the 1000 Metres, POETIC JUSTICE was steadied away from the heels of AKEED MOFEED which got its head up and raced ungenerously for some distance when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ASHKIYR. Approaching the 100 Metres, POETIC JUSTICE momentarily raced tight inside the heels of PRESIDENT LINCOLN which shifted in. For the majority of the race, HAPPY ERA travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Whyte stated that after discussing the tactics with Mr R Gibson, the trainer of GOLD-FUN, it was decided to ride the horse in about a midfield position with cover if possible. He said it was felt that as GOLD-FUN was attempting the 1800 Metres for the first time today, it would not be in the best interests of the horse were it to be ridden forward to overcome the wide barrier. He said at its last start whilst GOLD-FUN was successful, it travelled without cover and it was felt that were the horse to be ridden in a more forward position, with GOLD-FUN stepping up in distance, it may not be able to finish off the race. He said after initially proving somewhat difficult to settle, GOLD-FUN travelled well after obtaining a position behind HAPPY ERA near the 1000 Metres. He said in the early part of the Straight GOLD-FUN got its head on the side and lay in, however, after changing his whip through to his right hand, GOLD-FUN then straightened and finished off the race strongly. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of AUTUMN GOLD, T Queally stated that whilst the horse may not have been suited by the slow tempo of today’s race, nonetheless AUTUMN GOLD was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race when placed under pressure in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of AUTUMN GOLD after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY ERA and BLAZING SPEED after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GARLIC BOY after the race revealed that it was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, GARLIC BOY will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOLD-FUN, IT HAS TO BE YOU and PRESIDENT LINCOLN were sent for sampling.