12/06/2013  Shatin  Race 6

As the start was effected, HANDSOME BATCHELOR lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently began awkwardly. HANDSOME BATCHELOR was then ridden along to obtain a forward position, however, shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of PRINCE OF SUNSHINE. Because of these incidents, HANDSOME BATCHELOR raced back in the field. Making the turn after the winning post on the first occasion, BOSAMBO shifted in and bumped PRINCE OF SUNSHINE. Approaching the 1200 Metres, GOLDWEAVER commenced to prove very difficult to settle and shifted away from the heels of PRINCE OF SUNSHINE when awkwardly placed close to that horse. After this, GOLDWEAVER continued to prove very difficult to settle and passing the 1100 Metres was shifted to the outside of TARREGA and improved to obtain a more forward position, however, for the remainder of the event raced wide and without cover. On the Home Turn, HANDSOME BATCHELOR made contact with CARE FREE PEGASUS when shifting out around the heels of PRINCE OF SUNSHINE to improve. After being held up and unable to improve rounding the Home Turn, SHIFACHI TRADITION was then badly held up in the early part of the Straight and unable to obtain clear running until approaching the 200 Metres. After being steadied away from the heels of SHIFACHI TRADITION on the Home Turn, CITY OF LIGHTS then shifted out abruptly when attempting to find clear running near the 300 Metres. When questioned, Apprentice C Y Lui (CITY OF LIGHTS) stated that he had been instructed to lead if possible on the rail, however, if other runners showed superior speed, he should allow those horses to improve and obtain the position just behind the leaders. He said after being loaded into the barriers, CITY OF LIGHTS was fractious and as the start was effected was slow to begin. He said CITY OF LIGHTS then shifted out across the heels of TARREGA which resulted in the horse losing further ground. He said he rode his mount along for a short distance, however, it soon became apparent to him that he would not be able to take up a forward position as instructed and for this reason making the turn after the winning post on the first occasion he shifted CITY OF LIGHTS in to obtain a position with cover. When questioned, M L Yeung stated that he was unable to shift OLE OLE to the outside of runners in the early part of the Straight, therefore he attempted to obtain runs between horses in the Straight. He said passing the 200 Metres he shifted OLE OLE out to take advantage of a run which was clearly available between TARREGA and FOLLOW THE WIND. He said after improving to the outside of the hindquarters of TARREGA, OLE OLE did not continue into the run despite being vigorously ridden with the whip. He said when OLE OLE was reluctant to improve into the run between TARREGA and FOLLOW THE WIND, he shifted OLE OLE out around the heels of FOLLOW THE WIND approaching the 100 Metres, however, at this stage SHIFACHI TRADITION had been able to improve its position to be racing outside of OLE OLE and because of this the horse would not continue to improve to the outside of FOLLOW THE WIND despite being ridden along. A veterinary inspection of BOSAMBO immediately following the race revealed the horse to be lame in its left front leg. The performance of BOSAMBO, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BOSAMBO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of HANDSOME BATCHELOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FOLLOW THE WIND and SHIFACHI TRADITION were sent for sampling.