20/04/2013  Shatin  Race 10

SUDDEN THUNDER began awkwardly and shortly after the start was bumped by GOOD GOOD VIEW which was taken out by SUN HUSSAR. From a wide barrier, GALLANT TRIUMPH was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, FLUKE was checked when crowded for room between BRIGHT STAR which shifted out and LOMBARI. In this incident, FLUKE bumped the hindquarters of LOMBARDI which became unbalanced. After this, FLUKE was taken across behind runners. Near the 700 Metres, MASTER SOMMELIER became unbalanced when awkwardly placed close to the heels of BRIGHT STAR. Rounding the Home Turn, CARE FREE PEGASUS and STREET CAT raced tight as STREET CAT shifted out to improve. Near the 400 Metres, STREET CAT and FLYING IBIS bumped as FLYING IBIS shifted out from behind GOOD GOOD VIEW. This resulted in both horses becoming unbalanced. Passing the 400 Metres, FLUKE was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUN HUSSAR when being shifted to the outside of that horse into clear running. GALLANT TRIUMPH had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. After the 200 Metres, SUDDEN THUNDER got its head on the side and hung in under pressure. Near the 150 Metres, MASTER SOMMELIER was momentarily steadied away from the heels of SUDDEN THUNDER which shifted in. Also near the 150 Metres, GALLANT TRIUMPH was shifted to the outside of MASTER SOMMELIER to continue into clear running. Throughout the race, LOMBARDI and SUPREME GENKI travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of LOMBARDI, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LOMBARDI 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, C Y Ho stated that he had been instructed to position BRIGHT STAR behind the leaders with cover if possible. He said in the early stages he attempted to position BRIGHT STAR as instructed, however, when MASTER SOMMELIER, which was racing to his inside, was left racing in a three wide position and SUDDEN THUNDER occupying a position behind that horse, it was apparent to him that he would not be able to obtain a position with cover. He said therefore he allowed BRIGHT STAR to improve into a more forward position to race outside the leader, KING DERBY rather than remain racing unnecessarily wide. He added that when having to be ridden in this manner, BRIGHT STAR did not finish off its race and he was of the opinion that it is better suited when ridden with cover where circumstances permit. A veterinary inspection of LOMBARDI, MASTER SOMMELIER and SUPREME GENKI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MASTER SOMMELIER, SUDDEN THUNDER and GOOD GOOD VIEW were sent for sampling.