24/03/2013  Shatin  Race 7

LITTLE MEN began awkwardly. SEA THE PEARLS began awkwardly and shortly after the start knuckled over. From a wide barrier, ENGROSSING was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 1400 Metres, ENGROSSING commenced to prove very difficult to settle and for some distance got its head up and over-raced. This resulted in the horse being awkwardly placed close to the heels of KING’S FOLKS for a considerable distance. Near the 700 Metres, ENGROSSING was steadied away from the heels of KING’S FOLKS. At the entrance to the Straight, LITTLE MEN was shifted across the heels of SPURS ON in an attempt to obtain clear running. Near the 350 Metres, LITTLE MEN was severely checked when disappointed for running between LET’S GOAL and SPURS ON (C Y Ho) which shifted out. In this incident, LET’S GOAL became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by LITTLE MEN and in turn shifted out and bumped WHY NOT which also became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters. As the Stewards were satisfied that LITTLE MEN had not properly established running between SPURS ON and LET’S GOAL, no further action was taken, however, C Y Ho was reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he must ensure that he makes every effort to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. When questioned regarding his riding of LITTLE MEN after this incident, D Whyte stated that LITTLE MEN was fortunate not to fall in this incident as the horse became severely unbalanced after sustaining significant interference. He said for a short distance after the incident, he had concerns over the horse’s welfare and he considered easing it out of the race given the gravity of the interference which had occurred. He said however that he allowed the horse the opportunity to become properly balanced again and to satisfy himself that all was well with the horse’s welfare. He said when he satisfied himself of this, he commenced to start riding the horse along prior to the 200 Metres. He said when LITTLE MEN responded to his riding at this time, he rode the horse with increased vigour after the 200 Metres and LITTLE MEN closed off the race strongly. D Whyte was advised that the Stewards acknowledged that LITTLE MEN had met with severe interference and that a jockey has a right to evaluate the horse’s well-being immediately after an incident such as this. Nonetheless he was further advised that the Stewards were of the opinion that he should have resumed riding earlier than he did on this occasion and for this he was severely reprimanded. D Whyte was further advised that the Stewards had had cause to speak with him regarding riding of a similar nature earlier this season and that he must, irrespective of the circumstances, resume riding his mounts out with sufficient vigour and purpose wherever possible. KING’S FOLKS had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Near the 150 Metres, NINTH GALAXY was steadied when disappointed for running between SEA THE PEARLS and TRUMP, both of which shifted ground. Throughout the race, LET’S GOAL travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of LITTLE MEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LITTLE MEN, WHY NOT and TRUMP were sent for sampling.