28/04/2013  Shatin  Race 9

AFFLUENCE OF RAIN began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of ROMAN LEGEND which became unbalanced. From a wide barrier, REWARDING HERO was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 900 Metres, ISLAND GARDEN, after being aggressively ridden in the early stages, became badly unbalanced when checked away from the heels of LUCKY WARRIOR. Near the 850 Metres, ROYAL PARTNER was checked after racing in restricted room between AFFLUENCE OF RAIN which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ROMAN LEGEND and EASY SUCCESS (M Demuro) which shifted in. M Demuro was severely reprimanded and advised that should he ride in Hong Kong in the future, he must ensure that he leaves sufficient racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. Near the 500 Metres, EASY SUCCESS became unbalanced after being bumped by SANTA FE SUN which shifted to the outside of SUPER CAGA to improve. When being shifted to the outside of SUPER CAGA rounding the Home Turn, AFFLUENCE OF RAIN turned its head towards SANTA FE SUN and attempted to savage that horse when racing tight inside SANTA FE SUN. Near the 300 Metres, SANTA FE SUN was checked when crowded for room between EASY SUCCESS which shifted in slightly and AFFLUENCE OF RAIN which was taken out by SUPER CAGA (A Suborics). In this incident, SANTE FE SUN made contact with the hindquarters of EASY SUCCESS, causing that horse to be turned in across the running of SANTE FE SUN. Also contributing to this incident was the fact that AFFLUENCE OF RAIN attempted to savage SANTE FE SUN on a number of occasions. A Suborics was severely reprimanded and advised that whilst the Stewards were of the opinion that there were some circumstances to this incident, nonetheless he had permitted his mount to shift out which caused the initial crowding to AFFLUENCE OF RAIN and SANTE FE SUN. Mr D E Ferraris, the trainer of AFFLUENCE OF RAIN, was shown the videos of the horse’s behaviour rounding the Home Turn and near the 300 Metres. Mr Ferraris was advised that a warning would be placed on AFFLUENCE OF RAIN in respect of its racing manners and that the Stewards would monitor the horse’s behaviour in the future. In assessing this matter, the Stewards considered that AFFLUENCE OF RAIN had not previously been reported for attempting to savage another runner in a race in Hong Kong. Near the 100 Metres, B CHOICE was bumped by REWARDING HERO which, when closing off the race well, shifted in away from the heels of SUPER CAGA which shifted in under pressure. REWARDING HERO was then awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER CAGA for a short distance after this. A Suborics was advised to make more effort to keep his mounts straight in similar circumstances. Throughout the race, B CHOICE travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of AFFLUENCE OF RAIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. COSTA DEL SOL and EASY SUCCESS were sent for sampling.