02/06/2013  Shatin  Race 10

After being loaded, the crossed nose band fitted to GENKI TWINS was adjusted. JOLLY FINE began awkwardly. RAINBOW CHIC was slow to begin. From wide barriers, HAPPY ERA and KABAYAN were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 1300 Metres and again near the 1000 Metres, RAINBOW CHIC got its head up and proved difficult to settle. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, JOLLY FINE got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of NICE FOLKS. TRUMP had difficulty obtaining clear running at the entrance to the Straight. After being held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight, JOLLY FINE was checked away from the heels of REAL SUPREME which was giving ground near the 350 Metres. Approaching the 200 Metres, KABAYAN was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY ERA after being taken in by VICTORY MASTER which was giving ground. Over the final 100 Metres, BLAZING SPEED got its head on the side and shifted out. Near the 75 Metres, HAPPY ERA was momentarily steadied and shifted to the inside of RAINBOW CHIC which got its head on the side and shifted out away from FAMILISTS. When questioned, Y T Cheng stated that he had been instructed to ride WINNING LEADER in about 4th or 5th position with cover if possible from barrier 10. He said after beginning well, he shifted his mount across initially to race outside GREEN EAGLE which was being ridden in a forward position. He said this left WINNING LEADER racing wide outside VICTORY MASTER. He said as it appeared as though there might be an opportunity to shift in behind VICTORY MASTER and obtain a position with cover after the 1300 Metres, he steadied his mount with a view to possibly obtaining this position. He said whilst this would have meant WINNING LEADER racing further back than had been intended, he would have been able to obtain cover. He said however that VICTORY MASTER was steadied by its rider and TRUMP, which was positioned behind WINNING LEADER, was able to improve its position to be racing behind VICTORY MASTER and inside WINNING LEADER. He said because of this WINNING LEADER was left racing wide and without cover. Y T Cheng was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, the frequency of horses ridden by him being reported to be racing wide and without cover this season had come under notice and he must ensure that, wherever possible, horses ridden by him are not obliged to cover unnecessary ground. A veterinary inspection of VICTORY MASTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GENKI TWINS, FAMILISTS and RAINBOW CHIC were sent for sampling.