02/06/2013  Shatin  Race 8

When proceeding to the Start, CALIFORNIA DUDE became fractious, resulting in its rider, M Chadwick, being dislodged. Acting on medical advice that M Chadwick was not fit to ride CALIFORNIA DUDE in this race and having in mind the horses were behind the barriers at this time, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of the horse. M Chadwick was stood down from fulfilling his remaining race riding engagements. When proceeding to the Start, T Berry was also dislodged from APPROVE. OXFORD CHARLEY was slow to begin. At the start, FORTUNE WINNER shifted out and bumped KING’S FOLKS which became unbalanced. After this, FORTUNE WINNER was ridden along to obtain a forward position, however, failed to muster speed. APPROVE shifted out at the start and bumped GOLDEN SCALPEL. From the outside barrier, GREEN MANNER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, JIMSON THE BEST failed to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field. Approaching the 1200 Metres, SICHUAN EXEC shifted out and bumped GOLDEN SCALPEL. Passing the 400 Metres, GREEN MANNER was held up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SHANTARAAM. For some distance passing the 250 Metres, GREEN MANNER was held up for clear running when crowded for room between JIMSON THE BEST and SHANTARAAM which shifted out slightly. Near the 200 Metres, FORTUNE WINNER, which was giving ground, was steadied when crowded for room between HECO RIDER and OXFORD CHARLEY (T Angland) which shifted out. T Angland was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mount from shifting ground in similar circumstances. Approaching the 150 Metres, HECO RIDER, which had raced with its head on the side, shifted in when bumped by SICHUAN EXEC which shifted in under pressure. Approaching and passing the 50 Metres, KING’S FOLKS and KING’S PACT raced tight due to KING’S FOLKS shifting out. Over the concluding stages, OXFORD CHARLEY was held up for clear running behind I SMELL MONEY and inside the heels of APPROVE. Also over the concluding stages, HECO RIDER hung in badly despite the efforts of its rider. Because of this, HECO RIDER was not able to be properly ridden out right to the finish of the race. Throughout the race, GOLDEN SCALPEL travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SICHUAN EXEC, T H So stated that after obtaining cover behind APPROVE, SICHUAN EXEC commenced to over-race badly approaching the 1000 Metres. He said SICHUAN EXEC continued to travel too keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of APPROVE until passing the 500 Metres. He added whilst SICHUAN EXEC was disappointing, he attributed today’s performance to the manner in which the horse over-raced in the middle stages. A veterinary inspection of SICHUAN EXEC including an endoscopic examination immediately following the race found that horse to have a continuous displacement of the soft palate. APPROVE, KING’S PACT and KING’S FOLKS were sent for sampling.