15/09/2013  Shatin  Race 10

AMBASSADORSHIP began awkwardly. From a wide barrier, LOVING STAR was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, CHANCELLOR failed to muster speed. At the 400 Metres, HONG KONG DANCER was bumped by BETTER ANNOUNCE which shifted out to obtain clear running. Near the 200 Metres, CHANCELLOR was steadied away from the heels of DEMOKLES which was taken out by SUPER CAGA which shifted ground outwards under pressure. After the 200 Metres, FLYING IBIS was awkwardly placed outside the heels of BETTER ANNOUNCE. Throughout the race, DEMOKLES travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in to establish whether HOXO had been afforded a fair start. After reviewing the videos and taking evidence from Mr T McGovern, Starter, the Stewards ascertained that as the start was effected, HOXO reared abruptly, resulting in its rider, C K Tong, being dislodged from the horse in the barriers. As the Stewards were of the opinion that HOXO had caused its own problem and there had not been any outside influences in this incident, HOXO was deemed to be a runner. Before being allowed to race again, HOXO will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. When questioned, O Doleuze stated that, from barrier 13, he had been asked to ride BUDDY BUDDIES towards the rear of the field as is usual for this horse. He said over 1400 Metres today, BUDDY BUDDIES was reluctant to stride out in the early part of the race. He said he commenced to push the horse along for some distance along the Back Straight, however, BUDDY BUDDIES did not respond to his riding and got out of its ground in the early stages. He said because of the manner in which BUDDY BUDDIES was travelling, he used the whip on the horse down the shoulder passing the 800 Metres, however, BUDDY BUDDIES made ground only gradually, but by the Home Turn had joined the rear of the field. He added at the entrance to the Straight he shifted BUDDY BUDDIES to the outside and placed that horse under pressure, however, on a number of occasions in the Straight it lay in and for this reason he had to stop riding and straighten his mount. He said BUDDY BUDDIES, despite this, continued to make good ground in the run to the line. O Doleuze was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he was told to ensure that he does not set his mounts too great a task wherever possible. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HELENE FUN STAR, M Chadwick stated that the horse had barrier trialed well for him on 6 September 2013. He said after beginning fairly today, he was able to obtain a good position on HELENE FUN STAR and the horse travelled very well in the early and middle stages. He said he rode his mount along at the entrance to the Straight, however, HELENE FUN STAR did not respond to his riding and was most disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. He added that he was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of HELENE FUN STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of LOVING STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of LOVING STAR, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LOVING STAR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. RED DANCER, PLENTIFUL and LOMBARDI were sent for sampling.